• Lorenzo benefits from compatriot Pedrosa's crash
• Rossi on podium six weeks after breaking leg

Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo benefited from a spectacular crash by compatriot Dani Pedrosa to win the US grand prix last night, a fourth victory in the last five races extending his world championship lead.

The Yamaha rider, who had started on pole at Laguna Seca, finished over three seconds ahead of Ducati's Australian Casey Stoner. World champion Valentino Rossi finished third in only his second race back after breaking a leg in practice for last month's Italian grand prix.

Rossi's podium came at a cost, however, with the nine-time world champion admitting he is still feeling pain from both his damaged leg and a shoulder injury.

"The pain is very bad," Rossi said. "I am painful everywhere and I definitely need time to recover some more.

"This track is such a difficult one on the body – one of the most difficult ones in the championship. My left side – I had to push using my left because I have no force on my right – is finished.

"It's a great result for me and so important for me to be on the podium in such a short time. I have to say thank you to the team and everyone that has helped me be here."