Abraham hopes star Argentina MotoGP showing answers critics

The Czech rider shook the grand prix racing establishment on Saturday at Termas de Rio Hondo, as he used his 2015-spec Aspar Ducati in mixed conditions to qualify second behind poleman Marc Marquez.

It followed a strong practice showing on Friday, when Abraham ended up third - all but guaranteeing himself an automatic spot in Q2 when rain arrived during third practice on Saturday.

Abraham's return to MotoGP after a year in World Superbikes was negatively received in some quarters, as he is known to be supplying a major sum to the Aspar squad's budget.

But the 27-year-old said it was a "nice feeling" to be able to respond to his critics with a place on the front row in Argentina.

"Of course it is a nice feeling," said Abraham. "In the past seasons the package we had was just not competitive enough, and even though I was trying really hard we were struggling a lot with the results.

"There were many people saying bad things about me, but since I sat on that bike [the Aspar Ducati] for the first time in Valencia, I felt really good. Every time we went out, it was a bit better.

"This is a track that fits me really well, so it’s a place where it’s easier for me to make a nice result. Hopefully it proves my place in MotoGP is still there."

Abraham admitted that, despite a strong Friday showing that left him well-placed to make it into Q2 automatically, he was "nervous" after the rain began during Saturday morning practice.

"Today I was nervous, because it was my first time on Michelins in the wet," he said. "I didn’t know what to expect, but in FP4 it worked pretty well.

"In qualifying I don’t think it was 100 percent wet, I saw some riders trying slicks, it was drying out.

"I pushed as hard as I could, and for my last exit Marc was just in front of me so I thought ‘why not, let’s try’. It really worked out. I’m glad to be here."