The Spanish rider overtook Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi
with 11 laps to race at the Estoril circuit for an 8.6-second victory. It was
Lorenzo's third straight win in Portugal and first victory in two months.
“Valentino overtook me and got away from me for a while, but
I stayed calm and began reeling him in bit by bit until we obtained our eighth
victory,” said Lorenzo, who started from pole but was overtaken by Rossi after
four laps.
But Rossi couldn't hang on for his third win of the season.
“It's a particular kind of race,” the seven-time champion
from Italy said. “On the dry surface I lacked some speed and I couldn't (keep
up) with Lorenzo.” Italian rider Andrea Dovizio of Honda finished third.
Casey Stoner of Ducati crashed after five laps and failed to
finish.
Lorenzo will look to end the season with a home win at next
week's Valencia GP. Lorenzo has 358 points, Dani Pedrosa of Honda 236 and Rossi
217.
Spanish rider Marc Marquez overcame a crash-dominated 125cc
race and a last-place position following a restart to win his 10th race of the
season. The Derbi rider, who can clinch the crown in Valencia, holds a 17-point
lead over Nicolas Terol, who finished second.
German rider Stefan Bradl of Suter edged Alex Baldolini to
win his first Moto2 race of the season.
