Motorcycling: Lorenzo wins season-opening Qatar MotoGP
Jorge Lorenzo won the season-opening Qatar MotoGP at the Losail circuit here on Sunday.
LOSAIL (AFP) - Yamaha s Spanish world champion Jorge Lorenzo won the season-opening Qatar MotoGP staged under floodlights at the Losail circuit here on Sunday.
Pole-sitter Lorenzo was followed across the line by nine-time former champion Valentino Rossi on his first race for Yamaha since returning to his old team from Ducati.
Last year s Moto2 champion Marc Marquez, on his MotoGP debut, took third for Honda ahead of his teammate and last season s runner-up Dani Pedrosa.
"I knew it was going to complicated. I m happy that Valentino came back in second place, it s good for Yamaha," Lorenzo told BBC television.
Marquez was thrilled at his performance.
"I was racing my hero (Rossi) - it was a great battle with Valentino. For my first MotoGP that wasn t too bad!"
Rossi was also pleased with his showing asfter two frustrating years with Ducati.
"That was great fun, I think second is best for me today as Jorge was perfect.
"I made a mistake at the start with Pedrosa.
"I wanted this podium, this was my target since last November. The bike was fantastic, I had a great battle with Marc."
