After well publicised 'problems' between the two Spaniards in the past, and a fast-blossoming rivalry now developing in
MotoGP, the quiet-natured Pedrosa seeks to avoid all mention of the Mallorcan - although the pair were 'forced' to shake hands just before Sunday's podium procedure by King Juan Carlos of Spain no less.
Pedrosa had snatched the lead from into turn one of the 27 lap race, before pulling clear of Lorenzo - who then lost second place to Fiat Yamaha team-mate
Valentino Rossi on lap 4. Lorenzo eventually finished 4.3secs behind Pedrosa and 1.5secs from Rossi.
Lorenzo - who has now taken two pole positions and two podiums from his first two MotoGP appearances, placing him second in the world championship standings - later admitted that Pedrosa was a 'fair winner', but warned that he'll be 'stronger again at the next race'.
"Dani was a fair winner today, his pace was very strong and I couldn't stay with him, but I am learning all the time and I will be stronger again at the next race," said Jorge. "It's a very long championship and this is an important result for us.
"Of course I'm a little bit disappointed because we thought that we might be able to make more of a challenge, but I can't complain because it's only my second race and I've had two podiums and two pole positions, so it's still a great result!
"To race today in front of so many Spanish fans and also The King was something incredible and I have really enjoyed myself a lot here.
"Thanks to my team and to Yamaha and Michelin, everyone worked very hard and I think we've done a very good job so far. To be second in the championship at this point is still far more than I expected and now I am just looking forward to the next race," he concluded.
"Jorge's performance today was quite impressive. During the race it seems that he lost a little bit of the feeling with the bike that he had yesterday and on Friday, but anyway it is clear that he is ready to win a race, already!" added team director Masahiko Nakajima.
