Fabio di Giannantonio was able to return to the Grand Prix podium at this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

The Australian Grand Prix saw Fabio di Giannantonio back on a Grand Prix podium for the first time since the Italian Grand Prix earlier in the season in June.

Since his last Grand Prix podium at Mugello, the Italian has featured on three Sprint Race podiums, but has fallen short of a Grand Prix podium on multiple occasions.

Di Giannantonio qualified in tenth place at the Australian Grand Prix and knew he had ruined his chances of victory at Phillip Island. However, using his strong pace, he was able to claim a 'special' podium with a second-place finish.

"I am super happy, super happy, a podium here is so special for many reasons," Di Giannantonio told TNT Sports after the Australian Grand Prix.

"I took my first MotoGP podium here two years ago, so being back on the podium is amazing. For sure, we ruined our chances of winning after starting from tenth place. So, I had to do some magic in the race.

"I had a super rhythm; it was possible to push, it was possible to overtake, so the team did an amazing job to give me this kind of bike. I am super happy, but I am just so tired because I have felt sick since last night. So, my celebrations have not been insane because I am a little down.

"I am so proud of the team, I am happy to be the first Ducati, we have to work as Ducati to improve. But I am super happy to keep up the colours."

'Believing is one thing, making it a thing is another...'

When asked if he believed it was possible to take a podium on Sunday at Phillip Island, the 27-year-old stated that he believed he could get a podium.

"Honestly speaking, yes," he admitted.

"But thinking and believing is one thing, making it a thing is another. I knew I had a really good pace; I have shown it all weekend. But to make nine overtakes against the top guys in the front is not easy. I was focused and I was able to make it, so that is really important."