John McPhee put in a sensational ride at the Aragon GP to finish the 19-lap race in fifth position after fighting back from a long lap penalty which had demoted the Scot to 17th in the opening stages.

McPhee made a steady start to the Moto3 race from 10th on the grid but knowing the penalty that lay ahead, quickly fired up his Petronas Sprinta machine.

Becoming the fastest man on circuit as he advanced to eighth, the Scot took his long-lap penalty - issued due to slow riding during Saturday’s Q1 session - on lap three, dropping him to 17th.

Fighting strongly through the field, he rejoined the leading group after just seven laps of action and was firmly in contention for the podium battle until he unfortunately ran wide as the penultimate lap began.

Unable to re-join the top-three fight, McPhee crossed the line fifth and in front of his championship rivals, maintaining his fifth place in the overall standings just 35 points behind Albert Arenas, with 100 still in play.

“It was a tough fight today, especially with the long lap penalty as I dropped to 17th. I then just tried to make my way forward, which was tough," said McPhee.

“Originally I thought about tyre management but after the long lap I just pushed as hard as I could every lap.

“I was really happy with my rhythm and I was able to catch the front group with ease. Once I got there I struggled a little to have that edge to be in the fight. Then on the second to last lap I lost the group but I’m really happy to be P5 today. It’s some good points on the board and it shows that we’ve got a good rhythm.

"I’m just looking forward to the race next week now.”