(CNN) -- World champion Valentino Rossi capped his remarkable return to the MotoGP circuit by taking fourth place behind Dani Pedrosa in his first race since breaking his leg six weeks ago.
Spaniard Pedrosa on a Honda came in clear of Rossi's Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo in the German round of the championship at Sachsenring.
Former world champion Casey Stoner pipped Rossi for the final place on the podium in a thrilling finish.
Australian Stoner on a Ducati only came past the nine-time world champion on the last corner to deny the 98,000 spectators the sight of Rossi collecting the third place trophy on crutches.
The Italian ace shrugged off his physical impediment and said he was racing for his own satisfaction.
CNN
