Lorenzo edges out Marquez as Rossi's hopes are dashed by mechanical problem

22 May 2016 02:53

Reigning MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo won a thrilling battle with Spanish rival Marc Marquez to win the Italian GP as home favourite Valentino Rossi went out of the race with a mechanical problem.

Lorenzo started the race from fifth on the grid, but grabbed a first-lap lead from Movistar Yamaha team-mate Rossi, who had started from pole position, and they were involved in a battle which lasted until the eighth lap.

But as Rossi exited the race Marquez (Repsol Honda) closed in on Lorenzo and on lap 20 Marquez launched his first pass on his fellow Spaniard. That failed, but Marquez continued to try to pass and was successful at the start of the final lap.

Lorenzo retook the lead and then Marquez led into the final corner, but a small mistake allowed Lorenzo to take the race win by 0.019 seconds, the smallest victory margin this season.

The win enabled Lorenzo to take a 10-point lead over Marquez in the championship standings, with Rossi a distant third.

The final podium place in the race went to Ducati rider Andrea Iannone ahead of Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati).

Johann Zarco (Kalex) won the Moto2 race and Brad Binder (KTM) was victorious in the Moto3 class.

Source: PA