Perfect 10 For Lorenzo: 10 Seconds Ahead Of Valentino Rossi.

Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo dominates the French GP from start to finish and takes the chequered flag 10 seconds ahead of teammate Valentino Rossi.

Nothing perturbs reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo as he showed everyone, including the anti-Lorenzo brigade, that no matter how much he is heckled, it only makes the Spaniard more focused - the French Grand Prix was a testament to this. The Yamaha rider, not only crossed the finished line 10 seconds ahead of his teammate Valentino Rossi, but also dominated the proceedings from qualifying day by breaking the track record. Lorenzo rarely loses a race from pole position and Le Mans witnessed a flawless performance from the defending champion.

If it was a perfect start for Lorenzo, it was a free for all behind him as Marc Marquez struggled to accelerate out of the block as the Ducati duo of Andreas Dovizioso and Iannone – stormed ahead of the pack. The stage was set for both the Italian riders to impress the management and prove who will be the perfect foil to Lorenzo in 2017 season. Unfortunately, the monkey was not off Iannone’s back, after he overtook Dovizioso with sheer power and speed, he slipped and fell on the fourth lap. He was soon joined by Cal Crutchlow, who has been on crash spree this season - it was his fourth crash in five races.

With Dovizioso and Marquez now second and third respectively, Rossi was quietly making his way up the order after starting seventh. Within no time the Italian was shadowing both the Ducati and Honda riders. With Marquez opting for hard compound tyre in front and medium in rear, it was obvious the young Spaniard could not take sweeping turns without braking late and losing out on precious speed. It was an opportunity for the taking and the veteran former world champion didn’t need a second invitation as on lap 13 he zipped past both Dovizioso and his arch nemesis Marquez. This three-way battle was all set to heat up the grand prix, but before the nerves could settle down, both the Ducati and Honda riders lost their front tyre grip and simultaneously slid off the tarmac. Marquez managed to start his motorcycle and ended the race on 13th position, collecting valuable three points.

With Lorenzo extending his unbeatable lead, this was a golden opportunity for Suzuki’s Maverick Vinales to finish third and bag his first podium finish. The young Suzuki rider did try to close the gap on his childhood hero Rossi, but it was more of wishful thinking than actually achieving it. Honda, on the other hand, hardly had anything to cheer about, but Dani Pedrosa did hold the team colours high by finishing fourth.

With this win, his second grand prix victory this season, Lorenzo now leads the championship standings ahead of Marquez, while his bitter rival-cum-team mate Rossi is third, 12 points behind.