British MotoGP: Randy de Puniet content with sixth

Randy de Puniet cemented his status as the top non-factory rider in the 2010 MotoGP world championship after a gutsy ride to sixth place at Silverstone.

The French rider looked like claiming a rare podium finish as he held a place in the top three until lap 17 when he surrendered third to Ducati rider Nicky Hayden.

The LCR Honda rider, who had claimed his first front row start since 2007, blamed a worn front tyre for his late slump.

But he remains in the top six in the overall rankings and he’s now scored three top six finishes in the opening five races of the campaign.

The former factory Kawasaki rider said: “It was a good race and I had fun but, like in Mugello, I finished behind the leading group. It’s a pity but I feel satisfied anyway.

“I made a very good start from the front row and I could rely on my machine as we lapped consistently fast for the whole weekend.

“With four laps to go the front started to move too much because we raced on the soft tyre (which was the right choice) but probably the ground temperature was a bit higher compared to the rest of the weekend.

“We had a great race and I am a big fan of this new circuit. The guys gave me an incredible machine here and we can be pleased about this result as we battled for the podium.

“In my opinion we moved a step forward this weekend and will do our best to keep the sixth position in the world championship.”