Jorge Lorenzo admitted at the end of yesterday's Shanghai MotoGP that "I was riding in a lot of pain in both feet, but the mobile clinic team made it possible for me to be out there, for which I want to thank them again. This result feels like a victory."

Lorenzo sustained a number of injuries including a chipped a bone in his right ankle in a spectacular practice during Friday's first practice smash, but bravely returned on Saturday to qualify in fourth place behind pole-leader Colin Edwards, eventual race winner Valentino Rossi, and last year's champion, Casey Stoner.

Dani Pedrosa, who finished second yesterday from fifth on the grid, now tops the championship table with 81 points, seven more than second-placed Lorenzo, and nine more than Valentino Rossi, whose victory yesterday was his first in eight starts.

The main photo shows Lorenzo (right) overtaking Italy's Andrea Dovizioso.
 
Lorenzo injured in Shanghai training smash
By: thinkSPAIN
Friday, May 2, 2008

Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo fractured his left ankle and injured his right knee in a spectacular accident during the first training session this morning ahead of this weekend's Shanghai MotoGP, and was taken to hospital in an ambulance.

Despite the severity of his injuries, the world championship leader may return for the second training session tomorrow.

The 20 year old Mallorcan, who is enjoying a dream start in his debut season, was riding for the first time since surgery to his right foreram to relieve compartmental syndrome sustained during the Portugal GP, which he won.

After three races, Lorenzo, who turns 21 on Sunday, tops the world championship table jointly with compatriot and fierce rival Dani Pedrosa with 61 points.

Valentino Rossi and last season's champion Casey Stoner lie thrid and fourth respectively.