LE MANS, FRANCE - MAY 08: Jorge Lorenzo of Spain and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP celebrates the victory on the podium at the end of the MotoGP race during the MotoGp of France - Race at on May 8, 2016 in Le Mans, France. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)

Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo has won the French Grand Prix in a canter, leading from start to finish as mayhem ensued behind him.

Lorenzo finished 10.654 seconds ahead of second placed Valentio Rossi, who was four seconds clear of third placed Maverick Vinales.

But the story of the day was the carnage that occurred throughout the race, with only 12 riders crossing the finish line without incident.

Marc Marquez squandered his championship lead, after he crashed into the Museum corner with 13 laps remaining. He recovered to finish race, but could only managed 13th spot, losing his championship lead to Lorenzo.

Lorenzo now has five point lead over Marques in the championship race, while Rossi is third a futher seven points behind.