Michele Pirro impressed once again on his wildcard appearance at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, with frontrunning pace throughout practice and a P5 in the race.

The Italian also looked to be able to threaten Maverick Viñales for fourth, but after battling Jack Miller, found the gap was a little too big to bridge.

But a P5 finish on home turf to make it three Borgo Panigale machines in the top five means Pirro leaves the San Marino GP happy with the weekend overall.

"The race was very difficult because the track isn’t easy with those conditions." Said the Italian

"But my race was complicated after a crash in qualifying and I didn’t start in a good position."

"But after ten laps my feeling was very good and I improved my speed, and I reduced the gap to Maverick." He added

"But the battle with Miller meant I lost the gap to Maverick and it was impossible to try and overtake him. But I’m happy because it was a good race for me, and for Ducati."