A superb Jorge Lorenzo (X-lite X-802) confounded all expectations and, after taking pole postion on Saturday, also won the first race of the year and the new era of 1000cc, beating Casey Stoner (Nolan X-802), who finished third, on one of his more high performing circuits.
A race, therefore, of great satisfaction for our brands Nolan and X-lite, which triumphed on the podium with the ever-reliable and high performance X-802 helmet.
Stoner, who started strong, seemed to be taking off for another "solo" race leading for 18 laps, but suddenly a physical problem, which he later reported as arm pump giving tiredness in his arms, forced him to slow down the pace making him susceptible to the attacks of Lorenzo and Pedrosa.
Victory, therefore, for our X-lite rider, Jorge Lorenzo winner of his 19th race in the major category.
Next race April 29 at Jerez.
JORGE LORENZO - 1st
“What an amazing race! I put everything I have, all my energy into the track, this victory is because I never gave up, kept pushing and trying. Casey was very strong at the beginning and opened a gap. Fortunately for us he struggled at the end and dropped his pace where I could keep mine so I managed to pass him. I am very grateful to Yamaha because they have made a big step this winter on the YZR-M1.”
CASEY STONER – 3rd
“It wasn't really the way we wanted to finish the race weekend here, after FP3 and Qualifying it was always going to be a tough race for us but in the end it came in the wrong areas. The bike was working well for us, I definitely had the package and the pace to lead the field which was really positive. However, I suffered from really bad arm pump. After three or four laps I felt it but it gradually got worse, I tried to pull a little gap from Jorge and Dani and put in the minimal effort possible to retain the gap and try and win, but as the race continued it got worse and worse and eventually the muscles had nothing more to give. I couldn't hold onto the handle bars properly and it made things really difficul t so it was a disappointing race for this reason, but for many other technical reasons it was very promising".
