Dani Pedrosa put up an impressive performance at the Circuito de Jerez to win the Spanish Grand Prix.
Jerez and Pedrosa have always shared a special bond. The Spaniard has never missed the podium in a race at this circuit since he began racing in MotoGP in 2006, not counting the time when he was injured and had to sit out the race. Having clocked the fastest time during the qualifying round this year, Pedrosa started the race from pole position, ahead of team mate Marc Marquez. After a good start, he maintained his lead throughout the 27 laps, crossing the chequered flag six seconds ahead of Marquez.
Marquez also put up a good show. In fact for the first time in this season he seemed to be riding strong on the Repsol Honda. After snatching the second spot from Johann Zarco, Marquez started pulling away, putting a lead of over eight seconds between him and Jorge Lorenzo. Lorenzo meanwhile scored his first podium of the season, while Zarco had to settle for the fourth spot. Cal Crutchlow was also in contention for the podium, before he crashed out in the sixth lap.
Valentino Rossi, suffering from tyre issues, dropped from seventh on the grid to the 10th position, though he continues to occupy the top spot in championship standings. His team-mate Maverick Vinales, who finished sixth at the Spanish Grand Prix is trailing by just two points. The fifth round of MotoGP will be hosted by France at the Le Mans circuit, on 21 May 2017.
