Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi bagged another MotoGP podium behind Marc Marquez at today’s Catalan Grand Prix but said he felt so confident with the bike, he could almost taste victory as the laps counted down.

Rossi led for a majority of the encounter but with seven laps to go, an intense battle saw The Doctor go up against Marquez and a rejuvenated Dani Pedrosa who ended up in third after a last-lap touch on his team-mate’s rear wheel saw him run wide, handing second back to Rossi.

“I think is the best race of the season, I enjoy very much. I am very satisfied because yesterday in the qualifying I was able to do a good lap but I don’t feel confident with the bike. My pace was not at the level of the first three. We make a modify from last night with my team and the bike today I like a lot more, I have more feeling in the front,” said Rossi, speaking at the track.

“Already in the warm-up I was stronger, faster but was confident I could do a good race. I did a good start and knew I could push from the beginning. We prayed for no rain but the temperature help us a lot. With some laps to go, I start to feel the taste of the victory because I was feel confident and I was ready to battle with Marc and Dani.

“When Marc overtake me and I try another line for pass back but in that moment, Dani overtake me and I lose a bit and sincerely at the end, the Hondas were too fast for me and was impossible for come back. Is a small shame as I wanted to win but is good.”