Craig Jones kicked off his World Supersport challenge with a podium finish after taking a last-gasp third place in the season opener in Qatar.
The Parkalgar Honda rider, on his debut for the team, was in contention for a podium position throughout the race but looked like falling just short as he went into the final lap running in fourth place.
However, the race was to have a sting in the tail when long-time leader Fabien Foret race out of fuel on the final lap, allowing Broc Parkes to steal the victory and promoting Jones into third.
"You could say I was gifted the podium when Fabien ran out of fuel but that just shows the importance of the team and back-up you get," he said, "and I must thank my Parkalgar Honda crew for all of their support and preparation – this podium is for them.
"On the last lap I was in contention with the riders in front for the win. Going into the hairpin I missed first gear and lost all drive out of the corner which meant I had to settle for third - otherwise I would have tried an overtake for sure.
"A headwind on the straight matched to my choice of gearing – using first gear for the hairpin rather than second – meant I was losing out a little on the straight every lap. I reeled the riders in through the rest of the circuit and was quicker. Overall, I am happy with the speed of my Parkalgar Honda and am pleased to get third place points in the bag."
