Today's 250 race was won by Hiroshi Aoyama (Scot Honda) after a thrilling duel with title rival Alvaro Bautista (Aprilia) ended on the penultimate lap when Bautista rammed Aoyama and fell.

The Japanese rider's second victory of the year moved him back into the World Championship lead with seven rounds done.

Hiroshi Aoyama (Scot Honda) once again demonstrated his immense talent and awesome determination with a stunning 250 victory aboard his RS250RW. The Japanese rider's second win of 2009, following his dramatic success in May's Spanish GP, moved him back into the World Championship lead ahead of Bautista.

Aoyama came through from sixth place to take the lead from Bautista at two-thirds distance. The pair were inches apart until the end of the penultimate lap when Bautista ploughed into the back of the Honda at the chicane and crashed. Aoyama was lucky not to go down and continued at reduced speed with a buckled exhaust pipe dragging on the ground. He still crossed the line four seconds ahead of Hector Barbera (Aprilia).

“First of all, let me say thank you to my team. They did a great job, providing me with an excellent bike to fight for the top prize in a circuit that might not have been easy for us”, he said. “My start was not perfect, and I had to push to make up. Then, I found a good pace, and in the second part of the race I was able to get the leadership and cross first the finish line. My position in the championship begins to be interesting. The most important thing, now, is to keep the rhythm. Then, we will see".

© CAPSIS International