He was unable to make much more of an impression until the predicted late shower of rain arrived with about five laps to go.

BBC: Hamilton stripped of Belgian win

But with five laps to go Lorenzo pushed so hard when overtaking that he only just managed to stay on the bike, running very wide and allowing his team-mate Rossi to stay in second.

BBC: Pedrosa storms to US MotoGP glory

Brazilian Barrichello then lost the final podium position to Jarno Trulli after being given a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pit lane, only for the Italian to retire with five laps to go and promote Coulthard.

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | Formula One | Alonso survives Monaco thriller