MOTEGI: Honda’s Dani Pedrosa kept his cool during an incident-packed Japanese MotoGP on Sunday, easing to victory over reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo by more than seven seconds.
Spain’s Pedrosa sealed his third win of the season at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in 42min 47.481sec, while championship leader Casey Stoner, who started on pole, finished third despite ending up in the gravel during the fifth lap.
Pedrosa kept his calm throughout the action-packed race which saw five riders crashing out and three others handed ride-through penalties.
But despite his victory, Stoner, who finished more than 18 seconds behind Pedrosa, still leads Lorenzo (Yamaha) in the championship standings by a commanding 40 points with just three races remaining — in Australia, Malaysia and Valencia.
Stoner was in command early in the race before running off the track and into the gravel on lap five, which saw him drop to seventh.
He said his brakes had failed to respond after his bike began shaking but he managed to stay on his Honda and return to the track.
His Italian teammate Andrea Dovizioso led the race briefly before he had to perform a ride-through penalty for jumping the start.
Ducati’s Valentino Rossi crashed out on the first lap, dragging along Yamaha rider Ben Spies, who rejoined the race, and also almost taking down Lorenzo.
Pedrosa, who finished second in the previous three races, seized his opportunity and powered to the front, steadily increasing the gap with Lorenzo and earned a home victory for his team. (Agencies)
