Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi of Italy stretches before the start of the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring circuit near the eastern German town of Hohenstein-Ernstthal on Sunday. [Thomas Peter / Reuters]

Valentino Rossi said he found it "easier" racing with a broken leg after narrowly missing out on a podium finish at the German MotoGP on his comeback from injury on Sunday.

The reigning world champion returned to action just 42 days after sustaining an exposed fracture of the right tibia in a crash at Mugello but came close to snatching a top-three finish during a last-lap tussle with Casey Stoner.

"I really loved that battle with Stoner at the end, it was great and I enjoyed it," said Rossi, who now stands sixth in the riders' standings.

"I'm still missing something in certain conditions, like for example at the beginning of the race, with the new tires, but this race is worth its weight in gold for me."

Only a late lunge on the final corner by Stoner denied the 98,000 spectators the remarkable sight of Rossi hobbling on to the podium on crutches.

"It was easier with a broken leg and very comfortable from a psychological perspective because I was there to enjoy myself as I'm no longer in contention for the championship," said Rossi.

"It was similar to my fights with Stoner at Laguna Seca (in the United States) or with (Jorge) Lorenzo in Barcelona."

The Yamaha rider said he would be targeting the podium at Laguna Seca next weekend but feels he will not be reaching top form until San Marino on Sept 5.

Australian Stoner now lies fourth in the overall standings after his third consecutive top-three finish but is 102 points behind leader Lorenzo of Yamaha.

The race was won by Spain's Dani Pedrosa. Lorenzo came in second, with Australia's Stoner pipping Rossi for third.