Lorenzo extends championship lead after cruising to Italian MotoGP win

(CNN) -- Spain's Jorge Lorenzo extended his overall championship lead to 19 points with a convincing win at the Italian MotoGP at the Mugello Circuit near Florence on Sunday.

Starting from second on the grid, the Yamaha rider quickly assumed control of the race passing his compatriot, Honda's Dani Pedrosa on the opening lap to lay the foundations for a comfortable victory.

"We made no mistakes all weekend. The start was tough but little by little I gained confidence and then when I opened a little gap I was able to relax and I cruised after that," Lorenzo said.

It was the fifth time this season that Lorenzo has taken the checkered flag and ends a run of two races without a win.

Pedrosa, who won his first race of the season in Germany last weekend, held on to take second place while home favorite Andrea Dovizioso took third.

"We did a good job in the race but it was very difficult with Jorge going at that pace," Pedrosa said.

"It was so difficult and I couldn't catch him. Overall, though, it is a good moment and let's try and keep it like this and push hard," the Spaniard added.

It wasn't such a happy day for Pedrosa's teammate, Casey Stoner.

The reigning world champion, who is set to retire at the end of the season finished down in eighth place, further denting his chances of finishing his career on a high.

The Australian now trails Lorenzo by 37 points at the halfway stage of the 2012 championship.

Lorenzo's fellow Yamaha rider, America's Ben Spies also had a disappointing day finishing down in 11th, but German rookie Stefan Bradl completed another promising ride to take fourth -- his best finish in MotoGP to date -- one place ahead of Nicky Hayden on the Ducati.