Catalunya has seen some epic battles in the past (Rossi versus Lorenzo sticks out) and with the three main protagonists for the MotoGP title this year all coming from Spain the 2013 race promised much excitement. What a shame it didn't live up to the billing.
Pedrosa and Marquez chasing down Lorenzo
Dani Pedrosa struck first blood by setting pole, with Cal Crutchlow threatening to ruin the Spanish party as he started from second spot on the grid.
As the lights went out Lorenzo grabbed the lead with Pedrosa and Marquez behind, then Cal and Rossi. Bautista once again threatened to ruin the Rossi party on the opening lap, although this time he had the decency to crash on his own...
Behind the leaders Rossi and Cal were hanging on, however, when Cal crashed and Rossi dropped off the tail the Catalunya GP turned into a Spanish procession. Lorenzo led for the entire race, Dani dutifully followed and Marquez stayed behind. An entertaining last few laps looked likely, however when Lorenzo broke clear and Marc had a massive front end moment the race was finished. Little overtaking and loads of riders hitting the ground, the main highlight of the MotoGP race was Bradley Smith getting sixth spot. Great work Bradders.
All-Spanish lockdown on the Catalunya podium
Moto2 and sadly Scott Redding couldn't make it another win. Local lad Pol Espargaro claimed victory from Esteve Rabat and Tom Luthi with Redding finishing a strong fourth and still holding a 35-point championship advantage. The somewhat predictable first corner carnage proved quite entertaining for crash vultures...
Moto3 saw Salom take the win from Rins and Vinales after a clever bit of riding was enough for him to gain a few metres advantage that allowed him to stay ahead on the drag to the line.
MotoGP
1. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing)
2. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team)
3. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team)
Moto2
1. Pol Espargaro (Tuenti HP 40)
2. Esteve Rabat (Tuenti HP 40)
3. Thomas Luthi (Interwetten Paddock)
Moto3
1: Luis Salom (Red Bull KTM Ajo)
2: Alex Rins (Estrella Galicia 0,0)
3: Isaac Vinales (Matteo Ferrari)
Brit watch
Cal Crutchlow (MotoGP) - DNF
Bradley Smith (MotoGP) - 6
Michael Laverty (MotoGP - CRT) - DNF
Scott Redding (Moto2) - 4
Danny Kent (Moto2) -13
Kyle Smith (Moto2) - 17
Danny Webb (moto3) - 14
John McPhee (Moto3) - 19