Max Biaggi has pronounced himself happy with his results in Valencia, even if he admits his last lap 'wobble' could have stopped him from claiming victory in the second race.
Biaggi, a double winner last time out at Portimao, was twice on the podium in Spain, finishing second in the opening encounter and third in the second.
The Italian was never outside the leading group on either occasion, but lost his chance of victory in race one when he was bottled up behind James Toseland, the Yamaha rider fading as the race wore on, but staunchly defending the position.
Eventually, Biaggii got through into second with four laps remaining, but it wasn't enough time to hunt down race winner Leon Haslam.
"It was a tough race,” he said. “Right from the beginning when I didn't feel entirely comfortable. I battled and passed Corser and found myself in a battle with Toseland. James defended very well.
“It was difficult to pass him and when I finally did I was able to find my lines and my pace, but Haslam was too far up front and we were only a few laps from the finish. But it is a nice second place and these are important points.”
The second race proved a different challenge for Biaggi as he raced the clock, as well as his rivals. However, while the Italian was never more than a second off victory – whether he was up against
Noriyuki Haga or
Carlos Checa – he couldn't quite overhaul either rider, the Aprilia rider settling for third despite finishing second on the road.
Indeed, Biaggi lamented the strength of the twin machines later in the race, before suggesting that his 'wobble' around the final lap could have cost him the chance at winning.
"It was a beautiful race, as entertaining as race one. I gave my best and we lost first place by next to nothing, maybe because of a wobble in the very last lap. I tried to resist against the Ducati but toward the end of the race with the tyres worn, the two cylinders had an evident advantage, especially Haga's.
“This is a positive result in the championship scenario. We'll see what happens in Holland: one thing is certain, as always we will give it our all".
Despite being the only rider to finish on the podium twice in Valencia, Biaggi has still dropped two points overall to championship leader Leon Haslam, the pair now split by 18 points in the standings.