Moto GP: Lorenzo snatches victory in Jerez

Spain's Jorge Lorenzo recovered from a poor start to pass his compatriot Dani Pedrosa on the last lap to win a thrilling Spanish MotoGP grand prix in Jerez yesterday.

Pedrosa had led the field from pole position, but with two laps remaining Lorenzo caught up with him and after a gripping tussle he cut inside Pedrosa to win by half a second.

The world champion, Valentino Rossi, was third and relinquished top spot in the championship to Lorenzo, who has 45 points after two races, four ahead of his Yamaha team mate. Pedrosa is third with 29.

"I can't describe it," Lorenzo told Spanish television after he had celebrated by jumping fully clothed into a lake at the circuit.

The American Nicky Hayden finished fourth ahead of his Ducati team-mate Casey Stoner of Australia.