The Australian Grand Prix, the season's penultimate one, will remain marked by the title won by Jorge Lorenzo following the retirement of his rival Dani Pedrosa, who unfortunately suffered a fall. It's Lorenzo's second victory after that of 2010. Another memorable fact was Casey Stoner's sixth consecutive win at this circuit, a superb way of bidding farewell to the public of his country since he is stopping racing next year. More than 50,000 people turned up for this splendid Grand Prix.
The riders of Yamaha Tech3, a team supported by Motul, also had their share of emotions, Cal Crutchlow putting an end to a series of unfortunate races by climbing the third step of the podium on the eve of his 27th birthday! 'After running out of petrol and falling in the first race, I really needed a positive result! said the British rider. 'The team gave me an excellent machine all weekend long. A second podium, after that at Brno, is fantastic.'
Andrea Dovizioso didn't manage to keep up with the fast pace of his team-mate, but succeeded in an overtaking manoeuvre with Bautista and Bradl. In sixth position at the beginning of the last lap, he managed to pass his two contenders and clinch 4th place.
'Today's race ensures us 3rd place in the World Championship teams standings,' pointed out Hervé Poncharal, team manager. 'It's an incredible result for a private team.'
The final results will be confirmed after the Valence Grand Prix on 11 November.
Standings
01// Jorge Lorenzo - Yamaha - 350 pts
02// Dani Pedrosa - Honda - 307 pts
03// Casey Stoner - Honda - 238 pts
04// Andrea Dovizioso - Yamaha Tech3 - 208 pts - Motul
07// Cal Crutchlow - Yamaha Tech3 - 151 pts - Motul
Photo credits: Stan Perec
