Lorenzo leads Spanish 1-2 at home race in Jerez

Jorge Lorenzo led a Spanish 1-2 at the MotoGP in Jerez yesterday ahead of compatriot Dani Pedrosa with world champion Valentino Rossi third.

The victory sees Lorenzo overtake Rossi, the winner in Jerez last year, at the top of the MotoGP world championship standings to the delight of the home crowd.

Yahama rider Rossi got off to a flying start, moving up from fourth on the grid to place himself behind pole sitter Pedrosa on the first turn, as Italy's Loris Capirossi crashed his Rizla Suzuki on the third lap.

Pedrosa, riding a Honda, was leading Rossi by over two seconds at the half-way point with Lorenzo a further two seconds back in third.

Lorenzo made his move on lap 21, overtaking Rossi as a fantastic duel ensued with Pedrosa, culminating with the former crossing the line 0.543 seconds clear.

Ducati riders Nicky Hayden and Casey Stoner were fourth and fifth respectively with Andrea Dovizioso sixth and Finn Mika Kallio, of Pramac Racing, completing an impressive rise from last place on the grid to place seventh.

It was a golden day for Spain with home rider Toni Elias, of Moriwaki, winning the Moto2 category with Derbi rider Pol Espargaro leading a Spanish sweep of the 125cc category ahead of Aprilia duo Nicolas Terol and Esteve Rabat.

MotoGP standings

1. Lorenzo 45 points
2. Rossi 41
3. Pedrosa 29
4. Dovizioso 26
5. Hayden 26
6. De Puniet 17
7. Edwards 12
8. Stoner 11
9. Spies 11
10. Melandri 11