Lorenzo: I could have beaten Stoner

Stoner was starting to edge away in the race lead and went on to dominate.

But Lorenzo believes he was quick enough to challenge the Honda before he crashed at Abbey at the start of lap nine.

"I feel disappointed because the crash was my own mistake," said Lorenzo, who before today had not retired from a grand prix since the 2009 Australian race.

"It's a shame for the team because they did a very good job all weekend and also my fan club who come here to support me.

"I was riding with confidence, but I had to wait my moment to overtake Andrea.

"I think I could have fought for the victory with Casey. I wasn't worried that [Marco] Simoncelli was catching me; I was worried because Casey was going if I didn't overtake Andrea... then I crashed!"

Today's result took Stoner into the championship lead by 18 points over Lorenzo - but the reigning champion remained bullish.

"Before Casey was chasing me, like a greyhound with a hare but now the situation has reversed," he said.

"Now we have to go for the victory in Assen."

Lorenzo's team manager Wilco Zeelenberg agreed that Silverstone was not necessarily a turning point in the title race.

"We were leading the championship, we're now 18 points behind but everything is still open," he said. "There are 12 races still to go so let's go to Assen and see what we can do."