Lorenzo closes gap on Stoner with victory in San Marino

Jorge Lorenzo is now just 35 points behind Casey Stoner in the MotoGP standings after victory in San Marino.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Jorge Lorenzo records his third MotoGP victory of the season in San Marino
• The Spaniard beat compatriot Dani Pedrosa with Casey Stoner in third
• The result means Stoner leads Lorenzo by 35 points in overall standings

(CNN) -- World champion Jorge Lorenzo has closed the gap on Casey Stoner at the top of the MotoGP world championship standings after claiming his third victory of the season at the San Marino Grand Prix on Sunday.
The 24-year-old Yamaha rider crossed the line at Misano ahead of fellow-Spaniard Dani Pedrosa with Australian Stoner, who began the race from pole position, back in third.
The result means Honda's Stoner is now just 35 points ahead of Lorenzo, with five of the 18-race series still remaining.
Stoner on pole for San Marino MotoGP
Stoner lies on 259 points, with Lorenzo on 224 and Italian Andrea Dovizioso, who finished fifth on the day, back in third place overall on 185 points.

I really needed this victory because the last two races have been a nightmare
--Jorge Lorenzo

A delighted Lorenzo told reporters: "I really needed this victory because the last two races have been a nightmare so to be back with a really good bike is great."
Stoner, the 2007 world champion, offered no excuse for his defeat, saying: "Everything felt really good including the bike, but I didn't want to push too hard in the rain at the start.
"However, when I tried to go for it I felt tired, my arms especially. No excuses, I am just worn out after the last three races."
There was no fairytale result for veteran Italian Loris Capirossi, who this week announced he was retiring at the end of the season.
The 38-year-old -- who has competed at the top level of the sport since 1990 -- failed to finish.

The MotoGP series now moves onto Spain for the Aragon Grand Prix on September 18, the 14th race on the calendar.