Jorge Lorenzo paid tribute to his teammate Valentino Rossi after the Italian stole Catalunya Grand Prix victory from him in a breathtaking last-lap joust.
As the Yamahas dominated the race and put on a spectacular inter-team lead battle, Lorenzo looked set for a home win going into the final corners, only for Rossi to stun him with a move at the last bend.
Despite the last gasp nature of his defeat, Lorenzo was magnanimous.
"The important thing is that the public has seen an enjoyable race, with me in a leading role," he told
Italia1. "In the end I didn't close the door well enough, and Valentino overtook me. I didn't think he'd try it there. I did a good start, and I knew my rhythm and Valentino's were quite similar, so the race would be on until the last curve.
"He's been cleverer and better than me, and brave, because I didn't expect him to make a move at the last turn, and I didn't shut off the line."
Lorenzo denied that he had been complacent in his defense.
"I didn't think I had already won then, but I thought he'd try to overtake me on the straight," he explained.
The result puts the Yamaho duo and Casey Stoner in a joint championship lead, all three tied on 106 points and with two victories each.
"Now we're three riders with the same points, and there are still many races to go," said Lorenzo. "So the important thing is that the public has seen a very fun race. We'll try to have more races like this."