Jerez MotoGP Reaction: Jorge Lorenzo left frustrated

Jorge Lorenzo was cut down to size by fellow Spaniard Dan Pedrosa in today’s Spanish GP, as the Yamaha rider and red-hot pre-race favourite could only finish third.

Lorenzo had looked a good bet to break his premier class victory duck in just his second race after he dominated yesterday’s qualifying session to claim his second straight pole position.

But he was never really in contention as Pedrosa dominated on home soil, and the warring pair were reluctantly forced into an impromptu handshake just before the podium ceremony by King Juan Carlos of Spain.

The double world 250 champion said: “Of course I’m a little bit disappointed today because we thought that we might be able to make more of a challenge, but I can’t complain because it’s only my second race and I’ve had two podiums and two pole positions, so it’s still a great result.

”To race today in front of so many Spanish fans and also The King was something incredible and I have really enjoyed myself a lot here. “

Lorenzo though did congratulate Pedrosa on his crushing win, which moved the Repsol Honda rider to the top of the world championship standings.

“Dani was a fair winner today, his pace was very strong and I couldn’t stay with him, but I am learning all the time and I will be stronger again at the next race.

”It’s a very long championship and this is an important result for us.

”To be second in the championship at this point is still far more than I expected and now I am just looking forward to the next race, “said Lorenzo.