Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa has said he is happy with third place at today's German MotoGP round at the Sachsenring because it proves his win at Laguna Seca wasn't luck.

The Spaniard finished just behind the Fiat Yamahas of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo despite almost crashing in the opening ten laps and having to back off the pace.

“I’m pleased to be on the podium, and finishing this close to the leaders proves that our win at the last race wasn’t by chance. I made a very good start and in the first few laps I was comfortable behind Valentino," said Pedrosa.

"On about lap six or seven though I had a big moment in the last corner and almost crashed, so after that I slowed down a little and dropped back to fourth. With a slightly slower pace I felt the feedback coming back and towards the end of the race I was able to push hard again.

"I got past Casey and tried to catch the leaders but by this time I was a bit too far behind. Third place is a good result, but we were ready to fight for the win at this circuit so it looks like we still have a little bit of work to do.

"The team is in good shape though and we’re making progress all the time, so I’m confident we can continue to challenge for better results and preferably for wins. Donington is next and I’m looking forward to it. Let’s hope we can have an even better race there.”