---
title: "Pedrosa dominates milestone race in Jerez"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2017/05/07/pedrosa-dominates-milestone-race-jerez/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lewis Duncan"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2017-05-07T13:07:57Z"
modified: "2017-05-07T13:08:24Z"
---

# Pedrosa dominates milestone race in Jerez

Honda’s Dani Pedrosa took a commanding first victory of 2017 in the 3000th world championship solo grand prix, to put himself back in contention in the title race.

Pedrosa has been in imperious form all weekend, and was many a rider’s tip for success on a sweltering Sunday. Utilising his diminutive size and less aggressive riding style to run the medium rear tyre, the Honda rider shot off into the distance from pole position in the early stages.

![Dan Istitene/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/05/679888364.jpg)

After just four laps, Pedrosa had used his grip advantage to build up a 1.4s lead over team-mate Marquez, whilst Tech 3 Yamaha’s Johann Zarco roughed his way into third spot. Soon, the Frenchman was on the back of Marquez, but was kept at bay by the triple MotoGP world champion.

Zarco, running the medium front and rear combination, began to drop back from the top two and soon fell into the clutches of Ducati’s Jorge Lorenzo. The Spaniard, hunting his first podium for the Italian marque, made light work of the rookie into Turn 6 10 laps in.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/05/679695434.jpg)

In the closing stages, Marquez began to fractionally close the gap to Pedrosa, his harder rear tyre giving him a slight grip advantage. But Pedrosa had preserved his rubber brilliantly, and responded to all efforts made to reduce his lead.

Lapping in the mid to high 1m40s up until the final few laps, Pedrosa eventually forced Marquez to call off the chase, giving him an easy run to his first win since last year’s San Marino Grand Prix.

Despite his best efforts, Zarco was powerless to stop Lorenzo cruising to a maiden rostrum for Ducati, whilst Andrea Dovizioso completed the top five. Maverick Vinales took the chequered flag in sixth on a dismal day for Yamaha, whilst team-mate Valentino Rossi battled a sever lack of grip to take 10th.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/05/679687190.jpg)

Yamaha’s woes in Spain see Marquez and Pedrosa close the gap in the standings to four and 10 points respectively, whilst Rossi heads to Le Mans just two points clear of his team-mate.

Between the Yamaha duo came Pramac’s Danilo Petrucci, who recovered from a disappointing qualifying to finish seventh. Jonas Folger and Aleix Espargaro slotted in behind, with Scott Redding just four second from the top 10 in 11th.

Hector Barbera held Avintia team-mate Loris Baz at bay for 12th, with Bradley Smith giving KTM something to smile about in 14th after team-mate Pol Espargaro crashed out of the points in the early stages. Karel Abraham completed the top 15.

Suzuki replacement rider Takuya Tsuda made it to the end of his maiden grand prix appearance in 17th behind Aprilia’s Sam Lowes, whilst Cal Crutchlow, Jack Miller, Alvaro Bautista, Tito Rabat and Andrea Iannone failed to make it to the chequered flag.

![](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/05/2017-05-07-3-1.png)