Britain’s John McPhee missed his debut Moto3 podium by just two-tenths of a second at Motegi’s MotoGP round after challening for top honours all the way from lights to flag.

The Oban rider made the most of his first-ever front-row start and stayed with the front group, sitting in third until he slipped back to sixth. He then capitalised on a near-crash by Danny Kent and Jack Miller to bag fourth place.

"The race was good. We had a realy good planing. For me to follow what the best thing to do to try to save the tire. I felt very comfortable portable. The bike was good. My confidence was good. Unfortunately at the end I was a little bit unlucky to miss the podium by 0.2 seconds,” said the Scotsman.

“I knew I had to hit my perfect braking marker into the final turn and get a really good exit and was hoping I could have got past Binder for that final podium place. But today it seems it wasn't to be.

“Rest assured, I'm more determined than ever now to get on that podium before the end of the season. But for my confidence the race was quite good. I am happy.”