Lorenzo's crash from Silverstone

IN the soaking conditions at Silverstone Jorge Lorenzo not only lost a chance at a podium finish but relinquished his championship lead to Casey Stoner.

The DNF marks Lorenzo’s first non-finish in over a year and was in spectacular fashion as the Factory Yamaha rider highsided out of third position, wrecking his M1.

"I feel disappointed because the crash was my own mistake," said Lorenzo, "It's a shame for the team because they did a very good job all weekend and also my Fan Club who come here to support me. I was riding with confidence, but I had to wait my moment to overtake Andrea. I think I could have fought for the victory with Casey.

"I wasn’t worried that Simoncelli was catching me; I was worried because Casey was going if I didn't overtake Andrea... then I crashed! Before Casey was chasing me, like a greyhound with a hare but now the situation has reversed. Now we have to go for the victory in Assen!

"I want to say congratulations to Colin; it has been a good weekend for him. He deserves it after last week." concluded Jorge.

The weekend showed no joy on the other side of the garage as Ben Spies joined his teammate, falling in the wet conditions. Spies fell going into turn one, crossing the gravel and hitting the wall. The American rider was taken directly to the medical centre for precautionary scans of his back and neck and was given the all clear.