Australia's Casey Stoner roared past MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo in the 27th lap of 32 to win the US Grand Prix Sunday and stretch his lead in the overall standings. Honda rider Stoner, who started the race just behind Yamaha's Lorenzo on the front grid, powered home to finish 5.634 seconds ahead of the Spaniard, who triumphed at Laguna Seca last year. Stoner waved to the fans after crossing the finish line in dazzling sunshine, having extended his run of successive podiums this season to eight. It was his fifth win of the year and increased his championship lead over Lorenzo to 20 points with eight races left. Honda's Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, champion here in 2009 and winner of last week's German Grand Prix, took third place with American Ben Spies giving the home fans something to celebrate by finishing fourth. With eight rounds of the championship to go, Stoner leads the standings with 193 points. Lorenzo has 173 and Italy's Andrea Dovizioso is third with 143 points. Stoner, who won here in 2007, was delighted to taste victory again at the twisting, technically challenging Laguna Seca circuit after struggling with his bike set-up earlier in the week. “It was amazing,” the beaming 25-year-old told reporters. “I am very happy. I love this track, love this atmosphere in America and I'm very happy to win here again. “I just had an extreme pace before the start of the race and had a lot of confidence. All week, it's been tough but in the warm-up we found something and thought we could run with these guys.” Stoner was quickest in the morning's practice session with a best lap of 1:21.747 in cool, overcast conditions. “After that, I just had something inside knowing that I wasn't worried about him (Lorenzo) getting away,” said Stoner.
