Jorge Lorenzo has closed to within a point of MotoGP championship leader Valentino Rossi after recording a commanding victory at the Catalunya Grand Prix.

The Yamaha rider made no mistakes once again to complete a lights-to-flag win at the Barcelona circuit as the former double world champion extended his winning run to four races.

Lorenzo catapulted into the lead at the start which he refused to give up for the entire race, despite coming under pressure from team-mate Rossi, who was forced to settle for second.

Marquez slotted into second spot on the opening lap but his challenge soon came to an abrupt halt when he dropped his Honda at the hairpin on lap four.

The reigning world champion was clearly frustrated at his error which saw him record his third retirement of the season.

Rossi capitalised on the mistake to surge into second spot where he set his sights on leader Lorenzo.

The drama continued to unfold behind when Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso crashed out of third position, handing the position briefly to the pole sitting Suzuki of Aleix Espargaro.

However, a crash for Espargaro ultimately awarded third to a hard charging Dani Pedrosa, which he maintained until the chequered flag.

Ducati’s Andrea Iannone emerged victorious in a race long battle with Tech 3 Yamaha’s Bradley Smith for fourth.

The sister Suzuki of Maverick Vinales finished sixth ahead of Scott Redding, Stefan Bradl, Danilo Petrucci and Alvaro Bautista.

Australia’s Jack Miller bounced back from a run of consecutive retirements to score his career best premier class finish in 11th position for LCR Honda.

Result: MotoGP Catalunya Grand Prix

Championship Standings