Jorge Lorenzo emerged victorious from a thrilling Polini Grand Prix of Japan at Twin Ring Motegi, the second win of his MotoGP career and a result that retained his 100% podium record in the 2009 season.
The Fiat Yamaha rider took little time in taking the reigns of the race, having started from the front row and showed no fear when faced with the likes of Dani Pedrosa and Valentino Rossi in front of him. However, despite a relatively comfortable advantage, Lorenzo was never quite able to say a definitive ‘sayonara’ to his rivals as the action heated up. He held on to cross the line with a gap of less than two seconds between him and second placed teammate Rossi. MotoGP.com
“It was a difficult race,” Lorenzo told reporters after planting a flag reading ‘Lorenzo’s Land’ in the gravel on his victory lap.
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“I didn’t have a good start, but then I picked up the pace and passed Valentino. I opened a little gap but he was pushing me very hard so I had to ride to my limit to get the victory.”
Honda’s Dani Pedrosa, who rocketed from 11th on the grid to second at the end of the first lap, took third place following a see-saw battle with Rossi for second. guardian.co.uk
Casey Stoner finished fourth on his Ducati Marlboro with Pedrosa’s team-mate Andrea Dovizioso fifth. Britain’s James Toseland crossed the line ninth on his Yamaha Tech 3.
Rossi believes Lorenzo’s victory is an indication that 2009 will prove to be a dramatic and exciting season.
“I think that this championship will be very interesting because we have four riders capable of trying to win the title,” he said
“I’m happy, because it was a great race. We had four riders fighting for the victory, a lot of overtaking, and I think that everyone enjoyed the race.” The Press Association
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