Indianapolis MotoGP Reaction: Jorge Lorenzo buries rain jinx

Spanish rookie Jorge Lorenzo overcome his rain jinx in a storm-lashed Indianapolis GP to claim the first wet weather podium of his career.

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The Fiat Yamaha rider, who started from the front row, showed brilliant early form as he passed compatriot Dani Pedrosa, reigning world champion Casey Stoner and team-mate Valentino Rossi in the opening three laps.

Rossi was quick to respond and by lap eight he seized third from fellow 250 graduate Andrea Dovizioso before he set about trying to cut the sizeable gap to Rossi and early leader Nicky Hayden.

As strong winds and driving rain battered the iconic Indy circuit, Lorenzo actually got stronger and just as he was poised to make a move on Repsol Honda rider Hayden for second, the race was red flagged.

Race Direction rightly deemed conditions too dangerous to continue and Lorenzo said: “This is the first wet podium in my career, including the European, Spanish and even Mallorcan Championships! To be honest, I really didn’t want to leave my motorhome before the race because I was so warm and comfortable and I really don’t like to race in the rain, but today I think things have changed!

“I got a good start, which surprised me, and then I was able to pass Dani and then Valentino, which surprised me even more! I am so happy to finally discover that I can be fast in the rain as well. After Valentino passed me back I tried to follow him but he was a bit too fast so I concentrated on keeping my pace consistent, then the rain and especially the wind came and it was quite crazy!

“I was still fast though I closed the gap to Nicky, who I think had some problems by then, and maybe I could have passed him with some more laps but it was very dangerous and so better to stop the race.

“We are still not perfect but our bike and Michelin tyres were very good today so I want to thank Yamaha and Michelin again, and my team for their hard work. Well done to Valentino and I hope we can continue like this for the last four races.”