Valentino Rossi romped to his fifth win of the season in Brno to move a step closer to a sixth FIM MotoGP World Championship.
The Fiat Yamaha star started the Czech Republic race on pole position ahead of team-mate and nearest challenger Jorge Lorenzo and the duo fought out a race-long duel before the young Spaniard crashed out with five laps remaining to all but end his title hopes. AFP
The 30-year-old Rossi, nicknamed The Doctor, is now closing in on Giacomo Agostini’s all-time mark of 122 race wins.
After crossing the line exuberantly on one wheel in 43min 08.991sec he leapt over the barrier to celebrate with his crew, warmly embracing them in turn.
Afterwards, he had time to offer a word of sympathy to Lorenzo - while insisting that he could not think of putting yet more title champagne on ice.
“It’s really a shame for Jorge,” said the Italian, noting that, despite his handsome lead “there’s a long way to go. I have to stay focused.” AFP
Dani Pedrosa was second with Toni Elias, who has lost his job at Gresini Honda next season, taking third.
MotoGP: Czech Republic Grand Prix - Race Results
Rossi’s win means he now leads Lorenzo in the championship by 50 points.
“For us it was a great race,” Rossi said.
“After the warm-up we made some modifications to give me more feeling in the front, and I made a perfect race,” he said.
“I pushed very hard and gave hard work to Jorge.
“He was in good shape and very fast - when he overtook me I thought ‘ok, now we start the battle’.
“Unfortunately he crashed, but it’s good for us - 50 points is a big lead, we are happy.” BBC Sport
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