Victory puts Rossi with best of all time, says Doohan

FIVE-TIME 500cc motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan labelled Valentino Rossi as good as any rider in history after the Italian's record-breaking win at the Indianapolis MotoGP yesterday.

Rossi sped within a point of an eighth world title, which is a formality after the rain-shortened race in Indiana, where he surpassed compatriot Giacomo Agostini's record of 68 victories in the top category.

"People sometimes ask who is the greatest rider of all time? It's hard to say because every era is different," said Doohan, who sits third on the all-time list with 54.

"That said, Valentino is probably as good as there has ever been, if not the best.

"I'm sure he will win many more races, if he stays fit, and I'm looking forward to seeing him go head-to-head with Casey Stoner and the others at Phillip Island in a few weeks."

Rossi was declared the winner after 20 laps when the race, the first at the legendary Brickyard since 1909, was red-flagged as rain and gale-force winds, a legacy of Hurricane Ike, swept the circuit.

Rossi's 69th victory in the top category handed him an 87-point lead from defending champion Stoner — who was fourth — and, with four races left, he can clinch the 2008 championship just by picking up a point at Motegi in Japan in two weeks.

Rossi was pleased to grab two slices of motorcycling history. "To win the first race here at Indianapolis is a great emotion and to beat Agostini's record is also incredible. Now I hope my record will stand for 30 years like his," Rossi said.

Doohan said Rossi's winning strike-rate was impressive. "To win as many races as he has in less than nine seasons shows how consistent he has been, and that's his strength, as well as his ability," he said.

■ History-making Sebastian Vettel was quick to distance himself from comparisons with Michael Schumacher after becoming the first German to win a grand prix since the seven-time champion retired two years ago.

Vettel, 21, won his maiden formula one race at the Italian Grand Prix. "He did so much. The only driver we have now who is anywhere near to that is Fernando (Alonso) and he has won two world championships, but what Michael did makes him one of the greatest drivers of all time," Vettel said.

'Fantastic day' - Rossi reaches Ago

Valentino Rossi has put one hand on the 2008 MotoGP World Championship with victory in front of his home fans at Misano on Sunday - a win that matches countryman Giacomo Agostini's all-time record of 68 premier-class victories.

Rossi's emotional triumph also marked Italy's 700th victory in grand prix racing and came after reigning world champion and nearest 2008 title rival Casey Stoner crashed out of the lead for the second race in a row.

Stoner, who began the race from his seventh pole position in a row, but with a re-opened scaphoid fracture in his left wrist, charged to near two-second lead by the end of the opening lap - while Rossi was thrown out of the seat of his Fiat Yamaha as he attempted to demote a fast starting Dani Pedrosa from second position.

Rossi sliced inside the Repsol Honda rider a lap later, by which time he was already 3.077secs behind Stoner - a deficit Rossi couldn't consistently reduce over the following laps.

Indeed, the seven time world champion - who began the race 50 point clear of reigning title holder Stoner - was still over three seconds behind the Desmosedici rider when Stoner made his third mistake in as many races, low siding from his factory GP8 on lap 8 of 28 and sliding into the gravel.

The accident left Ducati's head designer Filippo Preziosi with his head in his hands and gave Rossi a 2.9secs lead over Michelin-shod team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.

The race-winning Spanish rookie, regaining form after a series of confidence sapping injuries, initially indicated he had the speed to threaten the #46 - but the three-second difference between the blue machines ultimately held right to the flag for a memorable one-two.

After crossing the line, Rossi enjoyed lengthy celebrations with his adoring fans - at a circuit just 15km from his home town of Tavullia - although, disappointingly for many, Agostini played no part. 'Ago', who had been present at Misano during practice, was apparently absent from race day.

Ryder Notes: Rossi Versus The Rest

In his 500cc/MotoGP career, Valentino Rossi has had three great rivals: Max Biaggi, Sete Gibernau, and now Casey Stoner. Getting beaten by a rider who isn't a long-term threat for a title doesn't bother him, he joins in the back-slapping and doesn't waste ammunition. Tiger Woods is exactly the same. When a one-hit wonder wins a tournament he's full of bonhomie, but not when the world number two triumphs. Rossi's attitude to and analysis of his three challengers is illuminating.

Max he characterizes as strong on a two-stroke but 'not a lot of problem' on a four-stroke. However, Biaggi had 'strong media power' and in the beginning that caused a few problems with the Italian press.

Gibernau, says Vale, was 'faster than Max and good on a four-stroke.' Sete's problem was that got too wound up before a race and arrived with "too much emotion and aggression, so he make mistakes.'

And Sete as a person? "At the start I think I like him, then I get to know him and decide I don't like him. But, you put Max's head on Sete..."

Which brings us to Stoner. "He is very, very fast, especially at the limit. He knows it and uses it—you need a great feeling for that.'

And Casey's ability to ride the Ducati that no-one else can master? Valentino spreads the fingers on both hands then brings them together so they interlock: "Perfect fit."

"However, he knows he is the best and therefore does not respect his rivals; I have to give him a problem."

I think it is safe to say that Valentino has done just that.

ENDS

CONFIDENT KAWASAKI HEAD FOR MISANO

Kawasaki's Anthony West and John Hopkins head for the Republic of San Marino and the Misano circuit for round 13 of the MotoGP World Championship in confident mood, after improvements to the Ninja ZX-RR led to a strong showing by both riders last time out at Brno.

Anthony West secured a career best finish with fifth place in the Czech Republic Grand Prix, and after making further steps forward with the set-up of his Ninja ZX-RR during the post race test at the Brno circuit, the 27-year-old Kawasaki pilot heads for Misano determined to continue his run of form into this weekend's Grand Prix Di San Marino E Della Riviera Di Rimini.

Although not one of his favourite circuits, the Misano track has proved a happy hunting ground for West in the past. In 2007 the Australian took victory in the first World Supersport race at the revamped circuit, before joining the Kawasaki Racing Team and returning to the Republic of San Marino to take a hard fought eighth place finish in last year's MotoGP race. West returns to Misano this year determined to finish top ten once again.

John Hopkins looked like a likely candidate for a podium finish after qualifying on the front row and then making a strong start in the Czech Republic Grand Prix less than one week ago. Unfortunately for the Anglo-American, a gamble on tyres didn't pay off and, after running at the front up to the halfway point, Hopkins was forced to drop back to finish 11th at the flag after struggling with rear traction.

The 25-year-old Kawasaki pilot sat out the two-day, post race test at Brno due to a minor, but painful, rib injury sustained in a practice crash. Now fully fit once again, Hopkins is confident that the upgrades to his Ninja ZX-RR made ahead of the Brno race will give him the competitive package he needs to fight for his, so far elusive, first podium finish for Kawasaki this weekend in San Marino.

The Misano circuit features many fast-flowing sections along with slower combinations that test machine and rider skill to the maximum. The track is incredibly bumpy in places, and with the sometimes stifling heat of the Adriatic coast, a good tyre choice for durability throughout the race will be an essential factor. The MotoGP weekend always has an electric atmosphere, generated by the passionate Italian fans that venture to see the racing action in their thousands.

Anthony West: Kawasaki MotoGP Pilot #13
"I am looking forward to going to Misano following my best ever result in MotoGP last time out at Brno. We had a positive post-race test there, and we managed to make further improvements to the bike, which has certainly made it easier to ride. I hope that we can continue with our development this weekend because I am determined for us to be fighting for more strong results in the dry. I have spent the last few days in Italy, where I've been out cycling, so I feel relaxed and ready to take on the challenge. There's a good atmosphere at this circuit, but after last year's washout on the opening practice day, the weather could play a really big part in proceedings."

John Hopkins: Kawasaki MotoGP Pilot #21
"We had a positive weekend in Brno following my return to the track after a long absence through injury and we managed to put the Kawasaki on the front row. Although I didn't quite achieve the result we were hoping for, Anthony got into the top five, which just shows that the Kawasaki is improving all of the time and is capable of gaining good results. I really enjoy the Misano circuit, I managed to get on the podium there last year so it's certainly a track I like. I've spent the last week in Miami resting and training just to give the injuries that I am still carrying the best possible time to recuperate, so I'm feeling stronger and ready to achieve the results we are more than capable of."

Rossi: I couldn't believe it!

Valentino Rossi breaks 50 points clear after title rival Casey Stoner crashes out of Czech Republic Grand Prix lead.

Valentino Rossi moved two races clear at the top of the 2008 MotoGP World Championship with his fifth win of the season at Brno on Sunday - the Fiat Yamaha star enjoying an easy ride home after title rival Casey Stoner fell from the lead on lap seven.

Rossi, starting from second on the grid behind Stoner, lost time on the first lap getting past John Hopkins - and looked in danger of allowing the reigning world champion to escape - but the Italian soon found his rhythm and, after halting Stoner's advance at just over one second, had starting to reel in the young Australian when he crashed out.

"I was confident because my bike was fast from Friday practice, and with Jeremy [Burgess] we made a small modification to the front after warm-up to allow me to be a bit faster in some sections, and it worked very well," explained Rossi.

"I lost about half a second getting past Hopkins at the start and Casey was incredibly fast at that stage, like he'd already done ten laps!

"For a short time I was worried but then, after two laps, I understood that my bike was working very well and that I was fast enough to try to catch him. I had closed a little bit already and gradually the red bike was becoming a bit bigger in front of me, and I think this is when he started to push harder and made his mistake.

"I was anticipating a very hard battle if I did catch him, so when I saw the red bike slide out I could hardly believe it - this made things a lot easier for me!" smiled the Italian.

Indeed, the pair had already opened out an eleven second gap from the chasing pack by the time of Stoner's accident and Rossi was left to ride the remaining 15 laps alone, eventually finishing 15 seconds clear of Toni Elias.

"After [Stoner's fall] I just enjoyed riding my bike; my Bridgestone tyres worked very well until the end and my M1 felt very good. Of course I can't count this as a complete victory because Casey fell, and I am sorry for him, but this is racing and I have to be happy with this result," he said.

Stoner hands Rossi Brno victory

Casey Stoner's hopes of retaining his MotoGP world title suffered a devastating blow at Brno on Sunday, when the Australian crashed out of a one-second lead over Valentino Rossi - gifting the Italian his fifth victory of the season and doubling his title lead to 50 points over the Ducati rider.

After their epic Laguna Seca battle, which finally went in Rossi's favour after Stoner stumbled under braking, Brno was always going to be a crucial event - and the two title contenders were in a class of their own all weekend.

Stoner led four of the five track sessions heading into the race, where he converted pole position into an early lead, whilst Rossi looked in trouble after losing second place to John Hopkins.

But while Stoner set a scorching pace to try and crush the opposition, Rossi kept his victory hopes alive by passing Hopkins and then matching Stoner blow-for-blow over the following laps - pushing the pair over ten-seconds clear of third position by lap five!

Stoner's lead over Rossi sat at a stationary 1.2secs until lap six, when the Fiat Yamaha star pulled two tenths back from the #1. Perhaps attempting to respond, Stoner lost the front of his Desmosedici through a right-hand turn on the next lap, sending him sliding into the gravel.

The triple 2008 race winner sprang to his feet and attempted to rejoin, but the damage to his Desmosedici was too great and Casey was forced to accept a second non-score of the year (after a mechanical problem in France) at arguably the worst moment possible.

Rossi was never troubled thereafter, stretching his advantage to an enormous 15 seconds at the chequered flag - while an entertaining scrap for the remaining podium places kept the fans entertained.

After Stoner's fall, Rizla Suzuki riders Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi were promoted to second and third positions, with Hopkins holding fourth for Kawasaki and Toni Elias - who lined-up just 13th on the grid - fifth ahead of Anthony West.

Brno Race Result

Casey Stoner crashed out of the race lead on lap seven, leaving Valentino Rossi to collect a 15 second victory...


1. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team (B) 43min 28.841 secs
2. Toni Elias SPA Alice Team (B) 43min 43.845 secs
3. Loris Capirossi ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 43min 50.530 secs
4. Shinya Nakano JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 43min 54.700 secs
5. Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 43min 58.306 secs
6. Chris Vermeulen AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 43min 59.449 secs
7. Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 44min 5.294 secs
8. Alex de Angelis RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 44min 5.591 secs
9. Andrea Dovizioso ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP (M) 44min 7.663 secs
10. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team (M) 44min 8.414 secs
11. John Hopkins USA Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 44min 8.451 secs
12. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Alice Team (B) 44min 9.733 secs
13. James Toseland GBR Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 44min 40.331 secs
14. Colin Edwards USA Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 44min 49.974 secs
15. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (M) 45min 5.879 secs
16. Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda MotoGP (M) 45min 7.248 secs

DNF:
Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 11min 49.228 secs

MotoGP 2008 Brno Preview

The 2008 MotoGP season returns to action this weekend at the Cardion AB Grand Prix Czech Republic held at the historic Brno circuit. Much has happened in the weeks since Fiat Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi's masterful race win at July's Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix. Some riders like Fiat Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo and Kawasaki's John Hopkins have spent their time recuperating while others, unfortunately, have banged themselves up during the short summer break.

Repsol Honda's Nick Hayden has withdrawn from this weekend's race. The American rider injured himself while practicing for the X Games 14 Moto X Supermoto race. Hayden was riding a Troy Lee Designs-prepped Honda CRF450R and although he didn't crash the Kentucky Kid did injure his foot while landing off a jump in the Supercross section of the course.

"The injury is to a weight-bearing part of the foot and the doctors say that using too much pressure on the 'pegs could very easily give me some big problems," says Hayden. "I went to Dr. Ting and got the opinion of other specialists. I've done a lot with Ting, he knows the sport very well and he feels it would be quite risky to ride. He and the other specialists say that if I rode this week I might have to fight the injury for the rest of the year. As hard a decision as it is and as bad as I feel about it, I think I'm better off staying home doing rehab and physio, then come back fit at Misano and try to finish the season strong. There's been a lot of guys this year trying to ride less than a hundred per cent and actually making their problems worse. I certainly feel bad about it," continued Hayden. "I had the permission of HRC to do the Supermoto thing. I just wanted to do some riding during the break, have some fun and I thought that maybe it'd give me a little spark for the rest of the season, but it backfired on me."

Let's hope Nick heals up fast and is able to compete at Round 13 at Misano in two weeks time.

Returning to action this weekend is American John Hopkins. Hopkins has missed the last three races due to a broken leg. The 25-year-old feels confident that he'll be back on form this weekend.

"I'm feeling pretty good now, and I'm anxious to get back on track," Hopkins said. "I've now got full movement back in the injured knee and it's been fine during my training regime up to now. I don't think it's going to cause me any problems on the bike, but it's been almost seven weeks since I've thrown a leg over the Ninja ZX-RR, so I won't know for sure until we start free practice on Friday."

JiR Scot Honda's Andrea Dovizioso was the top Honda finisher at Laguna this year which moved him fifth in points ahead of Tech 3 Yamaha's Colin Edwards and Rizla Suzuki's Chris Vermeulen. It will be interesting to see if Vermeulen, who has finished on the podium at the last two rounds will be able to do it again this weekend.

"I have had a good break and am now ready to get back into the saddle and start riding again," said Vermuelen. " We finished the first-half of the season with good rewards from our efforts and I am sure we can continue that momentum at Brno."

After yet another vicious highside during the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, Fiat Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo is ready for this weekend's race despite still using crutches to get around. Lorenzo, who sits fourth in the championship points knows the 3.6-mile circuit well having won there previously in both 125 and 250cc.

"Brno is a circuit that I like a lot, it's one of my favorites," said Lorenzo. I've won there three times in 125cc and 250cc. It's a good place for my riding style and the weather is normally perfect. Physically I feel very good after the crash and the injuries, I definitely feel as good as could be expected. It's the first time this season that I've really had proper time to recover, thanks to the holidays, so I think I am in good shape."

Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa is also getting back on his RC212V MotoGP bike after opting out of the Laguna Seca race with a hand injury. Still, Pedrosa remains third in the points, just behind Marlboro Ducati's Casey Stoner and will be looking to crawl back in the points standings.

"When I returned from Laguna Seca my doctor told me I needed a week and a half of complete rest," explained Pedrosa. "I couldn't train so I spent an enjoyable few days in Mallorca, disconnecting from everything and resting both my hand and foot. I started training last week, mostly on my bicycle. I hope I can have a good race at Brno to start the second part of the championship in the best possible way." Casey Stoner will be anxious to take some points away from current points leader, Valentino Rossi. Stoner won last year's MotoGP race at Brno and will surely be a favorite come Sunday's race.

"We've still got quite a few points to make up in the championship, which won't be easy, but the whole team are working so hard and we'll give it our best shot. After that, whatever will be, will be. After the race at Laguna Seca I went back to Australia and spent a bit of time with my wife and family away from the track. I got some rest in but I also trained hard and now I can't wait to get back on the bike."

The target everyone is aiming for this weekend will be Valentino Rossi. Despite finishing poorly last season in the Czech Republic, Rossi has shown brilliance there in the past and is hoping that he can find the right setup with his YZR-M1 and Bridgestone tires.

"Last year we had a bad time at Brno; I could only finish seventh and it was quite disheartening," said Rossi. "This year, however, we're going there in a very different frame of mind: leading the championship, following a great win and with our bike and tyres working very well. I've had a good summer break, just relaxing with my friends and family, but now I am really looking forward to going racing again. I know that Brno is going to be hard and that Casey will be a formidable competitor once again, and we're going to have to work at the maximum from the first practice in order not to lose any time in finding out the right set-up for our bike. We have seven races left and I am dreaming of them all being as fun as Laguna Seca!"

de Puniet: Rossi continued, I didn't

Randy de Puniet saw an impressive fifth on the grid go to waste when he was taken out by Valentino Rossi on the opening lap of Saturday's Dutch TT.

As the riders filed into the slow left-hand Horseshoe turn for the first time Rossi, eager to regain ground after a slow start, lost control of his Yamaha and collected de Puniet.

The Italian was able to restart, but de Puniet was left to hobble away with a sore leg.

"We deserve a lot better than this," sighed the Frenchman. "Since the beginning of this weekend my pace was consistently fast and I could stay with the top five riders today.

"I made a very good start and was in the fifth position when Rossi crashed and I was 'in the wrong place at the wrong time'. We both went in the gravel but he rejoined the race. Probably he arrived too fast and lost the rear hitting my bike.

"I'm very disappointed because we could have fought for a good result here," added the LCR Honda rider, who has taken a best finish of ninth so far this season.

Rossi, whose bike was damaged, recovered to eleventh place by the chequered flag and later apologised to both de Puniet and his team.

Sachsenring MotoGP 2008

The MotoGP Grand Prix Germany, held at the Sachsenring near Oberlungwitz, is one of the most popular sporting events in Germany. Bikes reach speeds of up to 310kph (185 mph) and the races are extremely competitive.

Unlike Formula 1 racing, overtaking is frequent. The riders take the bravest lines to weave through the field and when the bikes close on each other they push it to the limit. There is the feeling that the crowd is collectively holding its breath as the riders brake as late as possible into the corners. Then there is the engine noise, piercing the air as the riders fly by, a constant reminder of the sheer power that they are fighting to control.

The 500cc Championship is the big one in motorcycling. Although it vies with the increasingly popular Superbike Championship for profile, it remains the title that every aspiring rider dreams of winning. To achieve the feat the riders travel the globe, competing in 13 countries. With the diversity of tracks and conditions, it provides the ultimate test of overall ability.

Although some riders have voiced concerns that the Sachsenring track is too narrow and does not allow many overtaking opportunities, few can argue with the intensity of the atmosphere and the enthusiasm of the crowd. Racers and commentators are also united in their praise of the organisation and facilities of this marvellous racetrack.

Sachsenring MotoGP 2008

Data Sirkuit SACHSENRING (Jerman) :

Contractor:	ADAC Sachsen e.V.
Overall area:	44 ha
Length of race course:	3675 m/ 2.284 miles
Number of left turns:	10
Number of right turns :	4
Width of race course:	min. 12 m max. 20 m
Width of Start-Finish:	14 m
Maximum incline:	12,8 %
Maximum rise:	10 %
Longest straight:	780 Meter Start-Finish straight /0. 485 miles
Length of pit area:	250 m
Length of crash barriers:	8.400 m
Number of gravelbeds:	14 permanent/ 3 temporary
Volume:	37.000 m³
Paddock 1:	11.000 m²
Paddock 2:	21.656 m²
Hospitality area:	10.000 m²
Number of pits:	34
Single box:	6 m long, 12 m wide
Pedestrian bridge:	28 m range
2 tunnels:	Fahrerlager, Paddock, Pedestrian to pit area
Tower Start-Finish:	22,55 m high, 10 m wide, 13 m long
Special quality:	3 crosses over brooks

Gently, Rossi said sorry to de Puniet

Valentino Rossi crash Randy de Puniet in the beginning of Dutch MotoGP. Gently, Rossi said sorry to Randy de Puniet that can't continue the race.

In the race beginning, Saturday (6/28/2008), Rossi get crashed with LCR Honda Rider that makes them run out of the track. Rossi still continue the race while de Puniet don't.

"That's a pity. I also apologize to de Puniet, it's my fault. When I turn left, the tire was not that hot, I losing control and takes it fall with me," regrets him.

"I make a mistake. The pity is that we having a cronical problems in the start, where I can't even start good ahead, then I make a mistake," his explained.

This result, with no doubt, was Rossi worst record in this MotoGP series. On the first session, h eonly reach 5 position. But then, he never miss the podium. Then this Fiat Yamaha rider lost his lead that stolen by Dani Pedrossa in standing on points.

Missing the standing points lead still not makes him worried. He said, "We are still close to Pedrossa."

Donington Park MotoGP Result

No one was gonna beat Stoner today...so well done to him
he went out and put the laps in...deserved win.

Rossi i think will take 2nd ahead of Pedrosa, he's lost 5
points to stoner and gained 4 on Pedro...

Pedrosa done well, think he's back took its toll towards the end
he looked tired and unable to make anymore efforts of a pass..

Ride of the day, other than stoner... has to be Lorenzo, 17th to 6th
i think someone's got their confidence back, which is only good for
the championship. Is it phenomenal?

The commentators said that Yamaha have been having problems all weekend..

It was pretty clear Rossi didn't look as comfortable this weekend in sections of the track, whereas at china, Le Mans and Mugello... also Catalunya, the bike had looked like it was on rails...

And before all the Rossi Basher's jump on the bandwagon..
where were the other yam's?


1. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 44min 44.982 secs
2. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team (B) 44min 50.771 secs
3. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (M) 44min 53.329 secs
4. Colin Edwards USA Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 44min 57.660 secs
5. Andrea Dovizioso ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP (M) 44min 59.783 secs
6. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team (M) 45min 0.672 secs
7. Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team (M) 45min 3.178 secs
8. Chris Vermeulen AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 45min 6.648 secs
9. Shinya Nakano JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 45min 14.336 secs
10. Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 45min 26.012 secs
11. Toni Elias SPA Alice Team (B) 45min 29.408 secs
12. Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda MotoGP (M) 45min 31.181 secs
13. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Alice Team (B) 45min 33.713 secs
14. Ben Spies USA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 45min 34.573 secs
15. Alex de Angelis RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 46min 7.168 secs
16. Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 46min 15.003 secs
17. James Toseland GBR Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 45min 32.234 secs

Source: Crash.net

Donington Park Warm Up Race

Full warm-up times from the British Grand Prix at a dry but very windy Donington Park, round eight of the 2008 MotoGP World Championship.

Casey Stoner that ride Ducati Desmosedici GP8 that use pneumatic system lead this warm-up race and left The Doctor Valentino Rossi behind.


1. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 29.325 secs
2. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team (B) 1min 29.845 secs
3. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 29.937 secs
4. Andrea Dovizioso ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP (M) 1min 29.997 secs
5. Alex de Angelis RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 1min 30.058 secs
6. Colin Edwards USA Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 1min 30.108 secs
7. Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 30.234 secs
8. Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda MotoGP (M) 1min 30.301 secs
9. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team (M) 1min 30.347 secs
10. John Hopkins USA Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 30.511 secs
11. Shinya Nakano JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 1min 30.528 secs
12. James Toseland GBR Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 1min 30.620 secs
13. Chris Vermeulen AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 1min 30.665 secs
14. Toni Elias SPA Alice Team (B) 1min 30.774 secs
15. Ben Spies USA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 1min 31.244 secs
16. Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 31.487 secs
17. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Alice Team (B) 1min 31.591 secs
18. Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 32.320 secs

Assens Grand Prix is the Oldest!

This is the oldest MotoGP series that the most highly classes than the others. Not only caused of the race that held on saturday, Netherlands GP is the oldest in Moto Grand Prix history.

In the last seven years, Rossi is the King of this Track with four time champions.

Valentino Rossi warns young riders over safety

Valentino Rossi has warned young riders to be more safety conscious after recent incidents in Mugello and Barcelona.

The seven-times world champion, who sits on the MotoGP Safety Commission, has expressed his concern after incidents involving Marco Simoncelli in Mugello and Alex de Angelis last weekend in Barcelona.

Simoncelli was criticised for swerving in front of Hector Barbera on the fast Mugello home straight as they jostled for the victory in the closing stages.

Barbera’s brake level clipped the rear of Simoncelli’s motorbike and the Spaniard was fortunate to escape injury when he was violently flipped over the handlebars.

Although Simoncelli was cleared of any wrong doing by Race Direction, Rossi said: “We agree to speak to Race Direction to say that it is not possible for riders to move like this on the straight so they spoke with Simoncelli.

“They will give a warning because if you change line in the straight and touch another guy it is very dangerous. All the riders in the commission agreed that they speak with Simoncelli and give like a yellow card in football, a warning.”

Factory Yamaha rider Rossi also said brake lever guards will again be looked at.

Rossi also commented on the de Angelis incident with Loris Capirossi in Catalunya, which left the Rizla Suzuki rider with a badly broken right hand.

Capirossi will miss the British MotoGP at Donington Park on June 22 and he is a doubt for the Dutch MotoGP in Holland six days later.

American superbike champion Ben Spies has been drafted in as his replacement for Donington Park.

Rossi added: “It is a pity for Loris when you have an injury. The new guys in MotoGP are very aggressive.

“Aggressive is one story but when you hit another it is more dangerous. They have to stay more quiet I think.”