Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) won the Great Battle of Spain at Jerez, finishing just ahead of compatriot Dani Pedrosa (Honda) after a last lap pass, with Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) less than half a second behind Pedrosa at the flag.

Photo: Yamaha

Pedrosa led from pole, looking unbeatable in the first third of the race. Lorenzo blew his start from the front row, dropping to sixth early in the race. By mid race, Lorenzo had charged past Ducati riders Nicki Hayden and Casey Stoner, as well as Rossi. He was now second, right up to leader Pedrosa, with six laps to go.

The race was decided on the last lap, when Lorenzo tried to out brake Pedrosa, who then overshot the corner by only a few meters. This let Lorenzo through for the win, with Rossi unable to get by and settling for third. Vale was in ‘Big Picture” mode, playing the championship card rather than trying to win the race after injuring a shoulder in a Motocross accident a few weeks ago. Third is better than another fall and injury, but a diminished Rossi showed surprising pace – enough to worry the competition even more from now on.

Next stop on the MotoGP schedule will be the Grand Prix of France on May 23rd.

MotoGP Jerez Results - Round 3
Pos Rider Team Time/Gap
1. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 45m17.538s
2. Dani Pedrosa Honda + 0.543s
3. Valentino Rossi Yamaha + 0.890s
4. Nicky Hayden Ducati + 9.015s
5. Casey Stoner Ducati + 10.034s
6. Andrea Dovizioso Honda + 23.144s
7. Mika Kallio Ducati + 34.489s
8. Etc....


MotoGP Standings - After 3 of 18 rounds
Pos. Rider Points
1. Jorge Lorenzo 45
2. Valentino Rossi 41
3. Dani Pedrosa 29
4. Andrea Dovizioso 26
5. Nicky Hayden 26