Jorge Lorenzo said it was little surprise to see Casey Stoner blast past him to take the lead of the Catalunya Grand Prix after just one lap today.
Yamaha rider Lorenzo took the lead at the start, but was unable to hold off Stoner's Honda, which had been quickest throughout practice.
"I tried my best from the beginning," said Lorenzo. "The key was the start – I made a good start. But I knew Casey could pass me in a few laps. He made it, and when he made it I tried to stay with him for the maximum laps possible. But then in the middle of the race it started to rain, especially in the last corners. So that was really hard not to lose concentration or make a mistake in these corners."
Lorenzo held on to finish second, which kept him in the lead of the championship by seven points over Stoner. The Spaniard said safeguarding his points lead had been the priority today.
"This race was very important for me to finish and keep leading the championship," said Lorenzo. "So I think we have done our goal."