MOTEGI, Japan: Spanish MotoGP rider Dani Pedrosa broke his collarbone after crashing his Honda in Friday's practice for the weekend's Japanese Grand Prix. His injury looks like effectively handing countryman Jorge Lorenzo the MotoGP title with Pedrosa the only man in a position to overtake the Yamaha rider in the standings. Pedrosa, who trails Lorenzo by 56 points with five races remaining, suffered a multiple fracture of his left collarbone after just six minutes on the track at Motegi. He is likely to miss the next three races which take place over the next three weekends. “Bad luck for Dani and it's not good news for the championship,” Lorenzo told reporters. “Obviously the best way to win the world title is with all the riders in the best condition.” Pedrosa also bruised his left ankle in the crash. Two victories or strong finishes would give Lorenzo an unbeatable point gap ahead of Pedrosa. Italian Valentino Rossi set the quickest lap in the first free practice for Sunday's race. “It was a strange crash,” said Rossi, who had been behind Pedrosa. “He lost control in braking. It was very strange that the throttle stuck. “This season is finished. I think Lorenzo has it.”
