MotoGP: Lorenzo wins Catalunya GP

MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo leads the race followed by Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez, before wining Catalunya Gran Prix. Photo / AP

Reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo cut compatriot Dani Pedrosa's lead in the championship standings to just seven points with his third career win at the Catalunya MotoGP on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Spaniard, who won for the third time this season following his victories in the Qatar and Italian Grand Prix', moved from third on the grid to first on his Yamaha before the first corner and was never overtaken.

Pedrosa meanwhile extended his run of podium finishes to five races as he held off a late charge from his Honda teammate Marc Marquez to finish second with the rookie back in third.

Lorenzo, who has hit back strongly in the title race having won the last two races with Pedrosa having won the previous two, said that it had been hell riding in the race.

"I knew that the start would be crucial and I couldn't afford to let Dani get away from me," said Lorenzo, who also won the world title in 2010.

"I got lucky and actually passed him and although he pressured me for a while he let up at halfway and I was able to relax a bit. It was a nightmare race to ride in because of the temperature."

Lorenzo revealed touchingly that the special designed helmet - it was designed by a friend of his who suffers from Downs Syndrome - he had worn for the race would now be offered up for sale.

Pedrosa was not too disappointed at the end result even if it saw his lead reduced in a category he has yet to emerge from victorious having finished runner-up in the world championship three times.

"I had to ride a defensive race for most of it as Marc (Marquez) was really attacking me," said the 27-year-old.

"It was not a perfect race for me as I was never close enough to Jorge to pass him. It's not a good feeling from this race but still I am relieved to be in the overall lead."

Marquez, who earlier this season became at 20 the youngest ever winner of a race in the category when he won the Grand Prix of the Americas, said that Pedrosa had done a skilful job in fending him off.

"As I prepared to attack Dani he braked early and that forced me to as well which cost me valuable time," he said.

"I pushed 100 per cent on the last lap and really made back that ground but he held on and I can only be happy with finishing on the podium."

Pedrosa moved onto 123 championship points with six of the 18-race long campaign gone, whilst Lorenzo moves onto 116 and Marquez, remarkably in his first season in MotoGP, strengthens his position in third ahead of Crutchlow with 93 points.

-AAP