Lorenzo revels in 'fabulous' victory

Jorge Lorenzo extended his lead at the top of the championship standings to 72 points after winning the US Grand Prix.

The Spaniard capitalised on an error by his closest rival Dani Pedrosa, who was out in front when he crashed out at turn five with 21 laps to go.

Yamaha's Lorenzo cruised to the win once he had clear track ahead of him.

Casey Stoner came second and Valentino Rossi achieved a superb third place in only his second race since returning after six weeks out with a broken leg.

The victory was Lorenzo's fourth in the last five races - Spain's Pedrosa won last time out in Germany - and puts him firmly in control of the championship.

I didn't feel comfortable - Stoner

Lorenzo had to overcome a poor start, slipping well back from pole, but he quickly set about reeling in Pedrosa who had blasted to the front at the first corner from fourth on the grid.

Until his crash, Pedrosa had looked good value for his lead and the race at the demanding Laguna Seca track had a competitive feel.

But his mistake when he lost the front end of his Honda handed his bitter rival and compatriot maximum points.

"Today has been tough, Dani was having a great race and it was difficult to follow him," Lorenzo told BBC Sport.

606: DEBATE Jorge is looking untouchable Crazybiker

"But as he pushed the maximum amount he crashed out at a fast corner and I was able to grab the victory."

Defending world champion Rossi was also delighted with the day's events as he managed to get himself on the podium despite still carrying injuries from his crash during the warm-up for the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello in June.

And the Italian achieved it from sixth place on the grid, eventually out-braking Andrea Dovizioso to clinch third.

Pedrosa crashes out of US Grand Prix

"I'm very happy," Rossi said. "I may not look happy because I have pain everywhere.

"This podium is like a victory on a very difficult track for us. I want to thank everyone who has helped me get back on the podium as early as this after my accident."

Stoner revealed he and his Ducati team were satisfied with his result, although the Australian did feel he made too many errors.

"We are happy. We didn't expect much more than second place," he said.

"At the start of the race, I felt OK. But I made a mistake and ran wide, lost the front again and the last time I ran really wide which wasn't good.

"Every time I tried to step it up I didn't feel comfortable. I was braking later and later but was making mistakes."

US Grand Prix result:

1. Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha 43:54.873
2. Casey Stoner (Australia) Ducati 43:58.390
3. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha 44:08.293
4. Andrea Dovizioso (Italy) Honda 44:09.061
5. Nicky Hayden (U.S.) Ducati 44:09.474
6. Ben Spies (U.S.) Yamaha 44:13.910
7. Colin Edwards (U.S.) Yamaha 44:35.594
8. Marco Melandri (Italy) Honda 44:42.092
9. Loris Capirossi (Italy) Suzuki 44:47.685
10. Mika Kallio (Finland) Ducati 44:47.687

World Championship standings:

1. Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha 210
2. Dani Pedrosa (Spain) Honda 138
3. Andrea Dovizioso (Italy) Honda 115
4. Casey Stoner (Australia) Ducati 103
5. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha 90
6. Nicky Hayden (U.S.) Ducati 89
7. Ben Spies (U.S.) Yamaha 77
8. Randy de Puniet (France) Honda 69
9. Marco Melandri (Italy) Honda 53
10. Marco Simoncelli (Italy) Honda 49

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