MotoGP: Lorenzo Wins US Moto GP, Casey Stoner finishes 2nd and Rossi makes a strong comeback after his injury at 3rd
It was double delight for the Spanish sporting fans as following Fernando Alonso’s win in the German Grand Prix Formula one; Jorge Lorenzo took the US Moto GP going through in a thrilling finale.
The Spaniard took full advantage of a spectacular crash by compatriot Dani Pedrosa that helped him regain his lead, as he surged to another important win in the season. This was his fourth victory in the last five races, extending his world championship lead.
The 23-year-old rider from team Yamaha started on pole in bright sunshine at Laguna Seca, California and finished 3.517 seconds ahead of Ducati's Australian Casey Stoner.
Stoner failed to repeat the performance that gave him the championship here in 2007.
Lorenzo, on the other hand was elated with another top class performance in the season that has consolidated his position further for the title race.
He punched his right fist, as he was clearly overjoyed after crossing the finish line, having extended his run of successive podiums to 10.
His dominance this season can be gauged by the fact that he has not finished worse than second all season.
Reigning champion Valentino Rossi edged out fellow Italian Andrea Dovizioso to secure third place, marking a brilliant comeback in what was his second race back after breaking his right leg in practice for last month's Italian GP.
Pedrosa, who had a great run in last week's German Grand Prix, had soared ahead to an early lead in the 32-lap race before he crashed taking a sharp turn on the fifth turn of lap 12 to hand Lorenzo the overall lead.
"Dani was pushing so much but I knew if I kept pushing like him, maybe he make a mistake, and he did and then it was much easier for me,” claimed Pedrosa after the race.
The Spaniard has a great chance of winning this season, since there are nine races to go before the end, and he enjoys a commanding 72 points lead with an overall tally of 210.
His compatriot Pedrosa is placed at the number two spot with 138 point, while the Italian Dovizioso is third with 115 points.
Pedrosa, who was not ideally placed at the start of the race as was positioned in the fourth spot.
However, he quickly used his speed and skill, surging into the lead after the first turn before opening a 0.6-second advantage over the fast-starting Stoner after four laps.
Lorenzo then succeeded in snatching second place from Stoner on the sixth lap over the twisting, technically challenging circuit.
In the decisive stage of the race, he trailed Pedrosa by 1.104 seconds with 24 laps remaining.
At this juncture Pedrosa who had won the U.S. Grand Prix last year and was bidding for his third victory this season slid off his bike on a left-hand fifth turn on lap 12 to gift Lorenzo the race.
After being given a big opportunity, Lorenzo stole the limelight and maintained his lead which he never relinquished.
Other than Lorenzo, the race was also a big achievement for Valentino Rossi, who needed the help of crutches to walk to his bike before the start of the race.
The Italian was delighted with his first podium on his return to competition, declaring it was a great feeling.
"It's great for me and it is very important to be back on the podium in such a short time," the 31-year-old said.
Race Results:
1. Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha 43:54.873
2. Casey Stoner (Australia) Ducati 43:58.390
3. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha 44:08.293
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