Rossi storms to Czech victory as Stoner crashes out
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Italy's Valentino Rossi has cruised to victory in the Czech Republic Grand Prix, after defending world champion Casey Stoner crashed out of the MotoGP race.
Seven-time world champion Rossi led 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 Australia's Stoner after 12 of 18 races.
Spaniard Toni Elias of Ducati finished second, 15.005 seconds behind the Italian, with Loris Capirossi of Suzuki crossing in third at 21.689sec.
Stoner, who had battled with flu-like symptoms on Saturday to claim his sixth successive pole position, was forced to withdraw after just six laps on the Brno circuit.
He 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 of the season will be the San Marino Grand Prix on August 31.
- AFP
