Published on: http://www.ontherecord-unisa.com.au/?p=2469

Australian Casey Stoner has won his second Grand Prix in two weeks for the 2012 MotoGP season in Portugal, beating fellow rider Jorge Lorenzo in a two-rider showdown similar to last week’s Grand Prix in Jerez.

With two MotoGP victories in just two weeks, Stoner now holds the championship lead, snatching the lead away from Yamaha’s Lorenzo with just one point separating them.

Casey Stoner defend his first place position from start to finish, Lorenzo only attempting a challenge towards the very end of the race.

Stoner’s Repsol team mate Dani Pedrosa finished behind Lorenzo in third position, with Andrea Dovisioso in fourth, ahead of his Yamaha team mate Cal Crutchlow who rounded out the top five positions.

Australian Stoner admitted he felt under pressure throughout the race, even though he was the race leader for its duration.

“I felt good on the first few laps but then we had severe chattering from the bike,” Stoner said after the race.

“In the middle laps I didn’t feel confident and I couldn’t push.

“I just tried to keep Jorge behind me we were lucky to hold on for the win in the end.”

This victory is Stoner’s 35^th MotoGP win, with the current world champion looking in fantastic form for round four at the world famous Le Man’s Bugatti circuit at the French Grand Prix.

Race Results