Valentino Rossi pipped Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo at the finish line in a thrilling finale to the FIM MotoGP Catalunya Grand Prix.
With Lorenzo starting on pole, the two riders dominated the race throughout before exchanging the lead several times on the last lap.
But Rossi, the defending champion, eventually sealed victory by 0.095 seconds in front of 90,000 fans in Barcelona, the 99th win of his remarkable career. The Press Association
“It was a great race and so exciting,” said Rossi. “It was so unbelievable and Jorge was so great.”
Lorenzo, who has admitted that he is not the best of friends with Rossi off the track, added: “It was a memorable race. Valentino and me did our best to give a spectacle.
“We will see what happens in the next race,” said the 22-year-old, who now shares the overall standings lead with Rossi and Australian Casey Stoner, the trio locked on 106 points after six races. AFP
Pos Rider Team 1 Valentino Rossi Fiat Yamaha Team 2 Jorge Lorenzo Fiat Yamaha Team 3 Casey Stoner Ducati Marlboro Team 4 Andrea Dovizioso Repsol Honda Team 5 Loris Capirossi Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 6 Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda Team 7 Colin Edwards Tech 3 Yamaha 8 Randy De Puniet LCR Honda MotoGP 9 Mika Kallio Pramac Racing 10 Nicky Hayden Ducati Marlboro Team 11 Chris Vermeulen Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 12 Alex De Angelis San Carlo Honda Gresini 13 James Toseland Tech 3 Yamaha 14 Marco Melandri Hayate Racing Team 15 Sete Gibernau Grupo Francisco Hernando 16 Niccolo Canepa Pramac Racing 17 Gabor Talmacsi Scot Racing Team MotoGP
