Aside from the dispute in the desert the two Spaniards are also fighting for some distinction in the record books, although the Yamaha man will always hold any bragging rights with his 2010 crown (the first rider from the Iberian Peninsula to become MotoGP Champion).

Both Lorenzo and Pedrosa have 35 career victories each, stretching across 125, 250 and MotoGP categories. Lorenzo holds the upper hand in MotoGP with 14 wins compared to Pedrosa’s 12 and the record of 15 held by Alex Criville is the next landmark in order to become Spain’s most decorated racer in the premier class.

Incidentally Dani’s haul of 12 wins means that he is level with Max Biaggi and Randy Mamola; the two most successful riders in 500s/MotoGP never to have clinched the championship.