Checa: It's been a long time.

Carlos Checa returned to the MotoGP podium for the first time in over a year yesterday afternoon at Le Mans, the Spaniard finishing second to countryman Sete Gibernau - but beat Max Biaggi and team-mate Valentino Rossi to claim top Yamaha honours.

Checa had a good start from second on the grid and would lead the race up until almost the halfway stage when pole-sitter Gibernau, who been hounding the #7 from the first turn, capitalised on a slight error by Carlos to move ahead.

Then, in the closing stages, Checa began to come under pressure from Biaggi, and would cross the line just 0.3secs ahead of the Camel Honda rider.

"My start was very good and I tried to keep the gap but I couldn't get away from Sete," explained Carlos. "When he passed me I tried to stay with him but he was faster. Near the end I had to pass some people at the back and I don't think they had seen the blue flags - it was quite scary with Max so close behind me!

"I am so happy to be on the podium once more; it has been a long time," he added, more than a little relieved to have delivered after mounting pressure to perform. "We knew that this year we had a chance to do well; we made some big improvements to the bike over the winter and I have started the year with a good feeling. Even in Jerez I felt good, although the weather changed everything on race day.

"I need to keep going like this; this result will help me, the team and Yamaha," he continued. "It gives me confidence and the season has only just started so I aim to continue improving - I hope that next I can fight to win a race."

Checa also sought little public pleasure in defeating Rossi, whose presence has made a 'big difference' to Yamaha this season.

"Valentino had some problems during the weekend and wasn't able to ride to his full potential, but he has made a big difference pre-season and I am sure that at the next race he will be there," stated Carlos. "Now I am really looking forward to Mugello."