Valentino Rossi once again benefitted from Casey Stoner´s misfortune for a second consecutive MotoGP victory, crossing the finish line first at the Cardion ab Grand Prix Ceske republiky. The Fiat Yamaha rider´s win –coupled with an early crash from his title rival- increased his lead to 50 points in the standings and dealt a crucial strike to his World Championship chances.
Seven-time world champion Rossi lead 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 Stoner after 12 of 18 races.
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.
Rossi cruised to a dominant win, crossing the line over 15 seconds ahead of Alice Ducati’s Toni Elias, with Rizla Suzuki veteran Loris Capirossi third.
The win leaves Rossi 50 points clear of Stoner - the equivalent of two race wins - with six rounds remaining, leaving the Italian odds-on to claim a sixth world championship in motorcycling’s premier class.
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