Faultless Rossi holds Lorenzo off for Sachsenring win

Rossi battles Yamaha teammate Lorenzo

Valentino Rossi was never under any illusions that he would have it easy in his defense of the MotoGP world title, and once again the Italian was made to fight for glory at the Alice Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland. The Fiat Yamaha rider took the win at Sachsenring by just the smallest of margins from persistent rival Jorge Lorenzo in a breathtaking race to extend his lead in the World Championship.

After starting from pole for the first time at the German track, Rossi took the lead of the race after thirteen laps. Both the Italian and teammate Lorenzo eked out an advantage to make it a two-way battle to the checkered flag, with a last lap battle reminiscent of the Barcelona round of the series one month ago. Rossi’s definitive pass had come at the end of the home straight with two laps to go, and he brushed off the young pretender’s overtures for his fourth win of the 2009 season.

Starting from eighth on the grid, Dani Pedrosa had established his credentials in the dry with the best lap in the morning warm-up. He had another storming start at Sachsenring to move up to the lead group, and put up a bold fight both amongst and behind the Yamaha duo. The Repsol Honda rider completed the podium with a race time under three seconds down on the top two.

Early leader Casey Stoner’s condition lasted longer than he had expected in the dry race, and he was able to mount a serious challenge for the win. With five laps to go, however, he was passed by Pedrosa going into the first turn, and one lap later a sit-up meant that he lost touch of the Spaniard.

Alex de Angelis and Toni Elías had a successful salvage operation for the San Carlo Honda Gresini team, placing fifth and sixth, respectively. Elías was particularly impressive, having started from last place.

The only retirees from the race were Randy de Puniet -who crashed on the opening lap- and Andrea Dovizioso. The latter fell victim to excessive front tire wear and was forced to call it a day before the end of the 30-lap Grand Prix.

Results

Pos.

Rider Nation Team Behind
1 V. ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team 41'21.769
2 J. LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team + 0.099
3 D. PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team + 2.899
4 C. STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team + 10.226
5 A. DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini + 21.522
6 T. ELIAS SPA San Carlo Honda Gresini + 30.852
7 M. MELANDRI ITA Hayate Racing Team + 31.301
8 N. HAYDEN USA Ducati Marlboro Team + 31.726
9 C. EDWARDS USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 + 32.865
10 J. TOSELAND GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 + 43.926
11 L. CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP + 57.375
12 N. CANEPA ITA Pramac Racing + 1'00.539
13 C. VERMEULEN AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP + 1'03.645
14 M. KALLIO FIN Pramac Racing + 1'04.155
15 G. TALMACSI HUN Scot Racing Team MotoGP 1 Lap
16 A. DOVIZIOSO ITA Repsol Honda Team 5 Lap
17 R. DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP

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