Lorenzo makes it four in a row at Catalunya GP

Spain’s Jorge Lorenzo won a fourth consecutive MotoGP after holding off Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Rossi pushed hard and with five laps to go around the Montmelo circuit outside Barcelona, the gap was just 1.288 seconds.

But Lorenzo held the Italian off for victory on his home track to move within one point, on 137, of Rossi (138) in the overall standings. Dani Pedrosa, on a Honda, was third for his first podium finish of an injury-hit season.

“I stayed focused and didn’t make any mistakes,” said Lorenzo.

There was no such joy for Spain’s Marc Marquez, the two-time reigning champion crashing off the track while in hot pursuit of Lorenzo early on, the third time he’s fallen in seven races this season.

“You try to push a little bit more,” said the 22-year-old Marquez.

“I made a mistake and I lose more points. The next race will be different and will be better.

“I was on the limit, and on my bike I need to be very careful.”