BRNO, Czech Republic (AFP) - Italy's Valentino Rossi stormed to victory in the Czech Republic Grand Prix here on Sunday, after defending world champion Casey Stoner crashed out of the MotoGP race.
Seven-time world champion Rossi lead the race unchallenged with the Yamaha rider claiming his second consecutive MotoGP win after Ducati rider Stoner spun off in the sixth lap.
"Without Stoner's fall I probably wouldn't have won," admitted Rossi, who opens up a 50-point lead in the world standings on Stoner after 12 of 18 races.
"I'd carely prepared for a difficult duel with Stoner, which the first laps of the race confirmed," said Rossi, who notched up his 93rd career victory and 67th in the top category.
"But I have to say as well that my motorcycle was running perfectly and allowed me to ride very calmly towards victory."
Spaniard Toni Elias of Ducati finished second 15.005sec behind the Italian with Loris Capirossi of Suzuki crossing in third at 21.689sec.
Stoner, who had battled with flu-like symptoms here on Saturday to claim his sixth successive pole position, was forced to withdraw after just six laps on the Brno circuit.
He lost control and fell on a right bend and slid across the track and into the gravel as he was leading the race, one second ahead of Rossi.
The Australian attempted to get back into the race but was forced out because of damage to his motorcycle.
In 250cc, Spain's Alex Debon, riding for Aprilia, made an audacious attack on the last lap to dramatically win ahead of compatriot Alvaro Bautista with Italian championship leader Marco Simoncelli, coming over in third.
Germany's Stefan Bradl, riding an Aprilia, achieved his first career win in the 125cc race.
The next race this season will be the San Marino Grand Prix on August 31.
Comment 1 - 9 of 9
It ain't over until the fat lady sings, or something like that! Bad luck Casey but as Mike Hailwood once said, "if you aren't crashing you aren't trying hard enough"! You've still got time to come back and wipe the smile off Valentino's face. Remember 1) persistence pays off and 2) revenge is a dish best eaten cold.
She fell over.............So whats the excuse this time Casey?? Well done Rossi....another fine race another well deserved win! Go 46 Go!
STONER HAVE NOT BALLS, IT IS OBVIOUSLY!!! POOR LITTLE MOUSE!
SHOW SOME RESPECT GIRLS
WHAT A LOT OF STONER BASHERS, SO WE ARE BACK TO ROSSIE DOMINATING THE CHAMPIONSHIP, IS THAT WHAT YOU ALL WHANT, WEL I WANT TO SEE RACING AND ONLY STONER AND PEDROSA HAVE SHOWN ANY BALLS THIS YEAR,
BUT GIRLS ENJOY YOUR RACING, AND STONER WIL BE BACK WITH DUCATIE AND PEDROSA, SHOW SOME RESPECT GIRLS
JOHN HOLLAND
SHOW SOME RESPECT GIRLS
WHAT A LOT OF STONER BASHERS, SO WE ARE BACK TO ROSSIE DOMINATING THE CHAMPIONSHIP, IS THAT WHAT YOU ALL WHANT, WEL I WANT TO SEE RACING AND ONLY STONER AND PEDROSA HAVE SHOWN ANY BALLS THIS YEAR,
BUT GIRLS ENJOY YOUR RACING, AND STONER WIL BE BACK WITH DUCATIE AND PEDROSA, SHOW SOME RESPECT GIRLS
JOHN HOLLAND
Stoner is a kid who will win if everyone else has a slower BIKE lets see him do like VALE and leave ducati start on a no win bike and develope it to become a world class champion like Valentino di when he left HONDA to develope YAMAHA STONER IS ONLY HAPPY IF EVERYONE ELSE IS ON LESS POWERFULL BIKES, THATS WHY HE CRIED LAST WEEK , AND THIS WEEK FELL OFF WHEN VALE STARTED TO CLAW HIM BACK HE PANICS
bRAVo ROSSI!!!!
well, everyone who tryed to beat vale's nerves faild.....stoner will end up like Sete in the next seasons
HUGE VICTORY, BRAVO, VALE! VIVA IL CAMPIONISSIMO!
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