Marquez wins Argentina GP, Lorenzo retires

Marc Marquez claimed victory from pole position in the Argentina Grand Prix and top spot in the MotoGP riders' standings as reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo crashed out at Termas de Rio Hondo.

In a race reduced to 20 laps and featuring a compulsory pit stop due to concerns over the safety of Michelin's rear tyres and changing track conditions, Repsol Honda rider Marquez hit the front early on but was forced to work hard to keep Valentino Rossi at bay.

However, it was a different story after the two leaders pitted to switch to their second bikes, Marquez pulling clear of his rival to claim an ultimately comfortable victory.

Rossi was left battling Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovizioso for second, a place the former claimed when the two Ducati riders collided on the last lap.

Iannone attempted to pass Dovizioso on the inside at turn 12, but made contact with his team-mate and both men were sent spinning off - enabling Dani Pedrosa to take the final spot on the podium.

Lorenzo, the winner of the season-opener in Qatar last weekend, saw his race came to an end on lap six as he crashed out at turn one.

DUCATI CHIEF SAYS COLLISION 'HARD TO SWALLOW'

Ciabatti told BT Sport: "It was a great race until that happened. I understand that your team-mate maybe is the guy you want to beat, but in this case it's hard to swallow. We had a great result and we threw it away. We're very disappointed and we'll talk to the drivers."

MIXED DAY FOR PEDROSA

"It's maybe the luckiest day of my racing because everybody was crashing in front," said Pedrosa.

VINALES AND REDDING IMPRESS, THEN CRASH

LAVERTY TAKES ADVANTAGE OF OTHERS' WOES

IN THE POINTS

Repsol Honda 68 Movistar Yamaha 58 (+10) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 35 (+33) Ducati 23 (+45) Suzuki Ecstar 20 (+48) NEXT UP A quick turnaround sees the season's third race take place at the Circuit of the Americas next weekend.