Spain's Jorge Lorenzo moved to the top of the MotoGP standings after he won the Grand Prix of Japan at Twin Ring Motegi.

Lorenzo took the chequered flag on his Fiat Yamaha 1.304 seconds ahead of team-mate Valentino Rossi, with Dani Pedrosa third. Casey Stoner finished fourth on his Ducati Marlboro with Pedrosa's team-mate Andrea Dovizioso fifth. Britain's James Toseland crossed the line ninth on his Yamaha Tech 3.

Lorenzo started on the front row alongside Stoner and pole-sitter Rossi after yesterday's qualifying session was cancelled due to heavy rain.

Rossi led for the opening third of the 24-lap race before Lorenzo passed the Italian. He could not, however, establish a comfortable gap over the duelling Rossi and Pedrosa and eventually came home just over a second ahead of the pair.

Pedrosa had stormed up the field from the fourth row of the grid and was involved in a thrilling battle with Rossi before having to settle for third, just over two seconds behind the Italian.

Lorenzo now leads the standings on 41 points, one ahead of Rossi and three in front of Stoner.

Rossi believes Lorenzo's victory is an indication that 2009 will prove to be a dramatic and exciting season.

"I think that this championship will be very interesting because we have four riders capable of trying to win the title," he said

"I'm happy, because it was a great race. We had four riders fighting for the victory, a lot of overtaking, and I think that everyone enjoyed the race."

The Italian also admitted he had encountered problems with his bike during the race.

"I didn't feel confident with the bike at one point," he added.

"It didn't ride very well and I lost time with Lorenzo and Pedrosa. Fortunately in the last part of the race I could improve my pace and lines to take second."


ESS