Ballinamallard racer Josh Elliott travelled to Mugello in Italy at the weekend to continue his impressive season.

His first race started in perfect dry and sunny conditions today in total comparison to the qualifying which was very wet. No one had dry practice so it was difficult for everyone, especially the ones who had never been around Mugello in the dry.

Elliott starting from 10th got off the line well but was hit from behind in the first corner forcing him wide.

He lost momentum up the hill exiting turn one and dropped to 17th on lap one as a result.

The race was a long 14 lap affair and when he settled down found himself on the tail of a group of five.

To his credit the Fermanagh ace began to challenge and one by one picked off the others, even though he was suffering carburation splutter on throttle opening.

This forced him to do all his overtaking on the brakes, coming from up to 20 metres back to make his moves.

To the delight of his travelling support, Ireland's Rookie got to the front of the group in the last few laps and effectively towed them towards the 11th placed French rider, Nelson Major. A last lap, last corner attempt to slipstream the Frenchman almost paid off as they dashed for the line, but Elliott just lost out by 0.058 seconds.

"That was a tough race," Josh stated after the finish wiping the sweat from his brow in the Italian heat. "I nearly got 'T boned' in the first corner and ran wide.

"It was really tough as my bike was spluttering when I opened the throttle, but I tried to make up time on the brakes and slipstream the guys in front.

"It's nice to get some points and I hope to do even better at the British Moto GP at Donington next month.