“We have extended the championship lead so it's a good result for us and we have shown that we are still strong this year even when things are not perfect. This consistency is the most important thing for the championship,” declared the triple 2009 race winner, who has been on the podium in all but one race so far this year.

“Now I am happy that we have some time to rest because these have been a hard two weeks and the next two races are very important because we are all so close!”

The German Grand Prix at Sachsenring takes place on July 19, with the British Grand Prix just one week later.

“Congratulations to Pedrosa, it's good to see him back but especially to Jorge because he made a great race in difficult conditions for him,” said Rossi's team manager Davide Brivio. “The championship is very tight and exciting now so we're looking forward to the next races.”