Aragon MotoGP Report: Jorge Lorenzo wins, intense Pedrosa-Rossi battle for P2

Jorge Lorenzo has taken his 60th career victory at the Aragon MotoGP

Jorge Lorenzo of Movistar Yamaha MotoGP has won the Aragon MotoGP in Spain after beginning the race in second behind polesitter and reigning double world champion Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda. Lorenzo made a move on his compatriot – it is a home race for both riders – and held on to the lead. This is Lorenzo’s 6th win this year and 8th podium overall. It is also his 60th career victory.

Marc Marquez started off strongly, but crashed into the gravel after losing control of the front of his bike. Visibly distressed, the Spaniard kept his helmet firmly on as he looked on dejectedly from the sidelines of the track. The race was Lorenzo’s to lose after Marquez’s crash, and he is historically adept at holding on to an early lead if he has one.

Lorenzo held on to his lead from early on, and the win takes him to 249 points. He is now narrowing the gap to teammate Valentino Rossi in the riders’ championship standings. Rossi, who finished in P3, now has 263 points and continues to lead the championships.

Rossi and Dani Pedrosa were locked in an intense battle for P2, and it was this battle that was the highlight of the race tonight. The two fought for second until the final lap, and it was anybody’s race right until the end. 6-time champion Rossi acknowledged the racing skill put on show by Pedrosa, warmly congratulating his competitor with a hug after the two dismounted from their respective bikes.

Rossi said he had “tried everything” following the race, and Pedrosa “deserved the win.” The Italian has been on the podium every race this year with the exception of the MotoGP at San Marino, where he finished in 5th. P3 is Rossi’s best ever performance at the Aragon MotoGP, a feat he has achieved once before – in 2013.

The battle between @ValeYellow46 and @26_DaniPedrosa is heating up, the pair sparring at each corner. #MotoGP http://t.co/DI203aUeXO

— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) September 27, 2015

Another star of the race was Andrea Iannone of Ducati. The Italian has dislocated his shoulder twice this year – once at testing in Mugello, and last week. Despite dealing with physiotherapy and severe pain, he finished the race in 4^th place.

This race has likely ended Marquez’s championship hopes for the year, but today’s results will give Jorge Lorenzo renewed hope to grab the title.

Riders now head to the Twin Ring Motegi for the Motul MotoGP of Japan.