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Motorcycling: Injured rookie Lorenzo hails fourth in China

AFP - Monday, May 5

SHANGHAI, May 4, 2008 (AFP) - Gutsy Spanish rookie Jorge Lorenzo battled through the pain of a broken ankle to pull out a brilliant fourth place at the China Moto Grand Prix in Shanghai on Sunday.

"Without a doubt, this result today is like a victory for me," said the Fiat Yamaha rider, who celebrated his 21st on race day, as his teammate Valentino Rossi took the chequered flag and Dani Pedrosa took second.

The 250cc double world champion has stormed into the Moto GP class this year, claiming three poles and podiums in as many races, including a win in Portugal, but looked doubtful after a heavy crash in practice Friday.

"On Friday I couldn't imagine being able to ride, then yesterday it was little bit better and then finally today I was not just able to ride, but to be competitive and enjoy myself as well."

Lorenzo's race got off to a rough start as he fell back to eighth in the early stages, but then mounted an impressive charge to recover fourth, his qualifying position.

"I lost a lot of places early on but in the second half of the race I found my rhythm and then step by step I started to move forwards," said Lorenzo, who almost didn't start the race at all.

"I stalled the engine on the start line of the warm-up lap, which was a scary moment, but luckily I was able to restart and it wasn't a problem."

Coming to Shanghai Lorenzo was joint leader of the championship series with Spanish rival Dani Pedrosa but is now seven points behind his compatriot, who has 81, while Italy's Rossi is third, just two points adrift.

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