The result could help persuade Honda to field three riders next year, as opposed to farming the Italian out to the satellite Gresini team.

BBC: Matt Roberts MotoGP column

Toni Elias, who will not be retained by San Carlo Honda Gresini for next season, was fourth ahead of American former world champion Colin Edwards and young Italian Andrea Dovizioso.

CNN: Rossi races to MotoGP pole despite Brno fall

Lorenzo cruised to victory more than nine seconds clear of Alex de Angelis, who earned his first podium finish after starting fourth on the grid for San Carlo Honda Gresini.

CNN: Lorenzo capitalizes on Rossi's U.S. crash