250: Daring Dovi inflicts first Lorenzo defeat.

Andrea Dovizioso overcame a top-speed disadvantage to end reigning 250cc world champion Jorge Lorenzo's perfect start to the 2007 season, with a daring last-gasp victory in the Turkish Grand Prix.

Alvaro Bautista and pole sitter Dovizioso disputed the lead for the first half of the 20 lap race, but were being slowly reeled in by Lorenzo - who then passed them both in one go, under braking for the final chicane.

But this time Lorenzo, undefeated in the first two rounds, couldn't shake off the Honda rider and the two exchanged the lead - and a little paintwork - repeatedly over the following laps, in turn allowing Bautista to rejoin the victory battle as the last laps began.

Lorenzo was still leading with half a lap to go, but Dovizioso caught a tow heading into the final chicane and squeezed past the #1. Lorenzo searched frantically for an alternative line, but was pounced upon by Bautista at the final apex of the left-right-left.

The reigning 125cc world champion subsequently ran wide on the exit, allowing Lorenzo back past, but Dovizioso was safe and promptly exploded in celebration as he crossed the line.


Race results – Istanbul Park:

1. Dovizioso (Honda)
2. Lorenzo (Aprilia) +0.103secs
3. Bautista (Aprilia) +0.318secs
4. de Angelis (Aprilia) +4.894secs
5. Luthi (Aprilia) +19.755secs
6. Kallio (KTM) +22.946secs
7. Simon (Honda) +23.283secs
8. Barbera (Aprilia) +47.678secs
9. Simoncelli (Gilera) +58.482secs
10. Lai (Aprilia) +58.734secs

17. Laverty (Honda) +1min 49.828secs

Crash