Lorenzo repeats 2008 triumph

Added on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

Jorge Lorenzo strengthened his 2009 MotoGP title aspirations in Portugal this afternoon, by storming from a perfect pole to flag victory.

Lorenzo’s FIAT Yamaha teammate, Valentino Rossi, could only manage fourth at the chequered flag, meaning the championship fire is still very much ignited as they head into their final rounds of the year. Lorenzo has closed the gap to main rival and teammate Rossi to just eighteen points, with the pressure now really on the Yamaha duet.

Having got the better starts away from the line, Lorenzo led Rossi into the first corner, with the rest of the pack following suit behind. As the early stages of the race developed, Rossi began to realise that he was unable to match the pac of his chief rival, and gradually began slipping backwards.

All of this played into the hands of the returning Casey Stoner, who was keen to show he was back and better than ever. After a strong qualifying session yesterday, the Australian transferred his third place grid slot into second at the chequered flag, much to the delight of himself and the team. Despite this being his first in two months he performed perfectly, and is now looking ahead to his home race at Phillip Island next time out, where there is expected to be enormous amounts of support for him.

Crossing the line behind the lead duo, Dani Pedrosa took third, continuing his strong form of late. Rossi, having appeared off colour slightly during the race rode to fourth, finishing off of the podium for the first time at the Portuguese venue whilst competing in the premium series.

American Colin Edwards secured a strong fifth place finish, while teammate James Toseland transferred his twelfth grid start into ninth at the flag. The remainder of the top ten was occupied by Toni Elias, who finished sixth, with Andrea Dovizioso, Nicky Hayden and Chris Vermeulen behind, respectively.

All in all it was another exciting venture for the MotoGP paddock, and as the season close approaches it really is going to be an outstanding conclusion, to see who grasps 2009 MotoGP title honours.

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