Jorge Lorenzo won a thrilling Austrian GP duel with Marc Marquez who, however, extended his MotoGP championship lead to 59 points at Spielberg. Andrea Dovizioso took the third place.
Marquez came into the weekend 49 points clear of Valentino Rossi and stormed to pole on Saturday to show he meant business at a packed Red Bull Ring track. The Spaniard led into the halfway point on Sunday.
However, the Ducati duo of compatriot Lorenzo and 2017 title rival Dovizioso soon hunted him down
Here are the results for the superb #MotoGP encounter in Spielberg ?
1️⃣ @lorenzo99
2️⃣ @marcmarquez93
3️⃣ @AndreaDovizioso #AustrianGP ?? pic.twitter.com/M7AEGSwBWv— MotoGP™??? (@MotoGP) August 12, 2018
Italian Dovizioso dropped off as his tyres degraded, however, Lorenzo kept pace with Marquez who will be his Repsol Honda team-mate for the 2019 season.
“When you beat Marc it’s special” – @lorenzo99 ?#AustrianGP ?? pic.twitter.com/aGqJ2bL5BO
— MotoGP™??? (@MotoGP) August 12, 2018
The two traded the lead in a fascinating tussle that had the fans on the edge of their seats before three-time MotoGP champion Lorenzo got the upper hand. Jorge won the race while Marc was 0.130sec behind him.
“Today I tried to change my strategy and push a lot from the beginning. I wanted to fight only one Ducati in the end and we achieved our goal. Every short straight, Jorge was able to overtake me and it was difficult to defend”, Marquez revealed.
Was this the moment that cost @AndreaDovizioso the chance to fight for victory? ?#AustrianGP ?? pic.twitter.com/hh0Rh8O2il
— MotoGP™??? (@MotoGP) August 12, 2018
