Rossi extends lead with third successive win | Insidebikes

Rossi Races To Third Successive Win

Added on Monday, June 2nd, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

Rossi, sporting a new helmet, races to victory in Mugello

Here in Mugello it's always a great emotion, especially on the podium with all the crowd.

Valentino Rossi extended his lead in the MotoGP championship with a third successive win this season on his home circuit of Mugello.

The Italian, cheered on by the overwhelming majority of the 96,000 fans in attendance, now has a twelve point lead over Dani Pedrosa in then rider’s championship following another solid performance.

Casey Stoner’s third place finish brought him back into the championship reckoning, aided by the retirement of Jorge Lorenzo, who crashed out on lap six

Rossi, who started on pole, surrendered the lead early on to Dani Pedrosa but had regained the lead by lap three which he then held throughout.

The win was Rossi’s seventh at Murgello, maintaining his record as being the only rider to win at the circuit in the MotoGP era.

Casey Stoner’s second place finish provided a welcome boost to the Ducati team whilst Pedrosa had to make do with third.

Britain’s James Toseland showed improvement on previous outings with a sixth place, one behind teammate Colin Edwards.

But it was Rossi who stole the show and the former World Champion dedicated the win to the local fans.

“What a weekend,” said Rossi. “Here in Mugello it’s always a great emotion, especially on the podium with all the crowd.

“But it’s a difficult weekend, very long. The work is not just on the track.

“I’m lucky because I have a lot of fans and I always try to give more here. This track is good for my riding style and the Yamaha.

“The last 10 laps were very difficult. It was very hot. I wanted to slow down but Casey had different ideas.

“I have very strong rivals so it is important for me to be at the top.”

Italian MotoGP race result:

1. Valentino ROSSI (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team; 42:31.153
2. Casey STONER (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team; + 2.201
3. Dani PEDROSA (SPA) Repsol Honda Team; + 4.867
4. Alex de ANGELIS (RSM) San Carlo Honda Gresini; + 6.313
5. Colin EDWARDS (USA) Tech 3 Yamaha; + 12.530
6. James TOSELAND (GBR) Tech 3 Yamaha; + 13.806
7. Loris CAPIROSSI (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP; + 14.447
8. Andrea DOVIZIOSO (ITA) JiR Team Scot MotoGP; + 15.319
9. Shinya NAKANO (JPN) San Carlo Honda Gresini; + 15.327
10. Chris VERMEULEN (AUS) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP; + 30.785
11. Sylvain GUINTOLI (FRA) Alice Team; + 39.621
12. Toni ELIAS (SPA) Alice Team; + 50.021
13. Nicky HAYDEN (USA) Repsol Honda Team; + 50.440
14. Tadayuki OKADA (JPN) Repsol Honda Team; + 58.849
15. Anthony WEST (AUS) Kawasaki Racing Team; + 1′00.736

MotoGP world championship standings:

1. Valentino ROSSI; 122
2. Dani PEDROSA; 110
3. Jorge LORENZO; 94
4. Casey STONER; 76
5. Colin EDWARDS; 58
6. Loris CAPIROSSI; 51
7. Andrea DOVIZIOSO; 44
8. James TOSELAND; 43
9. Nicky HAYDEN; 40

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