Stoner wins Laguna Seca MotoGP

Casey Stoner claimed his second consecutive Moto GP US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca Raceway, finishing ahead of Spaniards Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa on Sunday.

Reigning world champion Stoner won in 43 minutes, 45.961 seconds, finishing nearly three and a half seconds ahead of Lorenzo who started from the pole.

Stoner, 26, earned his fourth win of the season on the same circuit he was crowned champion in 2007 and 2011.

The podium spots were identical to last year and like 2011 Lorenzo was leading the race before being overtaken by Stoner.

Lorenzo couldn't hold off the Aussie eventually surrendering the lead on lap 21 with Stoner crediting the decision to go with softer tyres for his performance.

"We went on the softer option which no-one else decided to do," Stoner told BBC Sport.

"Jorge was riding strong and fast lines so I decided not to risk it and pass him somewhere I wasn't comfortable. After that I picked up into a rhythm and tried to find a way past."

Pedrosa placed third - as in 2011 -- crossing the finish line more than seven seconds behind the winner.

The World Championship rankings remain unchanged with Lorenzo in first place with 205 points followed by Pedrosa (182) and Stoner (173).

Photo: Casey Stoner (Getty Images)