Britain’s Gino Rea went from hospital on Tuesday to World Supersport podium on Sunday at Phillip Island after coming out on top of a titanic scrap with fellow countryman Kyle Smith at Phillip Island.

Rea went under the knife to remove a screw that had loosened itself from the metalwork in his foot and so missed the second day of pre-season testing in Australia but it didn’t seem to matter as he qualified on the second row and then took third in the race.

““In hospital on Tuesday after my foot operation I was not expecting to get on the podium in the first race. I knew we had the potential though,” said Rea.

“I managed my tyre at the beginning, maybe too much as I had pace left at the end. Once the tyre dropped off I tried for the podium. Racing with Kyle it was not easy but it was a good race.

“After a few difficult seasons, it is great to be where I think I deserve to be. The CIA Landlords Insurance Honda package is great and hopefully we can start winning races soon. Friday was my first real test on the bike and we did not get too excited. We have got a good bike and thanks to everyone in the team for getting me on the podium.”