Assen MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo well beaten in Holland

Jorge Lorenzo admitted he was well beaten by Fiat Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi in today’s Dutch MotoGP race in Assen.

A sluggish start and a continuing struggle to solve issues in the fourth sector of the legendary circuit robbed the Spaniard of any hope of avenging his last corner defeat to Rossi in Catalunya earlier this month.

The closest Lorenzo got to chasing down an imperious Rossi was on lap six when the gap was only 1.441s.

Rossi gradually stretched his advantage before Lorenzo threatened to retaliate when he cut the gap down to 1.600s on lap 16.

But a big front-end slide on lap 18 convinced Lorenzo the game was up and he settled for a lonely and distant second place behind Rossi, who cruised to his 100th career Grand Prix win.

The 22-year-old was at least gracious in defeat as he acknowledged Rossi’s incredible achievement before explaining his own downfall in the 26-lap clash.

“First of all I have to say congratulations to Valentino because this is an incredible thing to achieve and this day belongs to him.

“Unfortunately I didn’t get a good start today and I had to take a few risks to pass people and come back to the front.

“Once I did I tried to go after Valentino but in some places I just wasn’t as fast as him; he was riding 36.5s every time and I didn’t really have quite enough confidence to push that hard today because the bike didn’t feel perfect.

“As the race went on I started to feel the front tyre ‘close’ a bit and I decided that it was safer to come home in second!

“Another podium is a great result; it’s my fiftieth and we continue to be very strong this season so I am happy.

“I am only five points from the lead and we are in a good position going to Laguna , which I am very excited about, “said Lorenzo.