Jorge Lorenzo was delighted to strengthen his position at the top of the MotoGP championship standings but admitted he felt for close rival Dani Pedrosa. The Repsol Honda rider was forced to start at the back of the grid after an infringement on the dummy grid, vacating pole position, and was subsequently taking out by Hector Barbera as he came through the field.
Lorenzo took full advantage with a sixth win of 2012, increasing his lead to 38 points, but after suffering misfortune himself at Assen, he felt sympathy for Pedrosa.
“It’s been a very tough weekend because Dani and I have been very close in the qualifying and the warm up. Unfortunately today he had really bad luck, first with the lights at the beginning of the race and then Hector took him out. This was really unfortunate for him. In Holland we were unlucky and today he was unlucky, anything can happen in these races. We have to be happy with our result and the point advantage we now have, for sure we are much more calm now than before the race! The race was difficult for everyone, only having qualifying was not enough when you have to set up the chassis and electronics and everything for the race. It was hotter during the race so there was less grip too. I almost crashed in turn one but managed to save it too!”
Yamaha teammate Ben Spies rode a largely uneventful race to fifth but after a catalogue of problems in recent races, a Grand Prix without incident was just what he’d been looking for.
“I know we didn’t get on the podium but I’m glad we were able to finally just have a normal race. Some of the times weren’t quick enough for the podium but we put on a good charge in the end. We struggled with a few things, especially some feeling with the front tyre. It’s been a difficult weekend and we didn’t start the race with the perfect set up but luckily could still put together an ok race. After what’s happened in the last eight weeks it almost feels like a podium for me!”
