(CNN)  -- Defending world champion Jorge Lorenzo of Spain claimed victory in Sunday's Italian MotoGP at Mugello to close the gap on Casey Stoner in the overall title standings. Australian Stoner began the race in pole position and led for the opening 17 of the 23-lap race. But Lorenzo took the lead with a superb overtaking move on a steep, downhill chicane and steadily pulled away for an impressive victory, with Stoner having to contend with finishing in third position after also being overtaken by Honda teammate Andrea Dovizioso on the final lap. American Ben Spies, the winner in Assen last weekend, finished fourth with Marco Simoncelli fifith and Italian legend Valentino Rossi -- racing in front of his home fans for the first time since joining Ducati -- finishing sixth.
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Jorge Lorenzo claims victory in Sunday's Italian MotoGP at Mugello
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The Spanish world champion beats Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner
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Stoner maintains his world title advantage by 19 points from Lorenzo
"I finally saw the opportunity to overtake @placeholder on the downhill section and was able to take it," he added.