British GP – Stoner takes the win!

(L to R) Rossi (2nd), Stoner 91st) and Pedrosa(3rd)

MotoGP

Casey Stoner proved uncatchable for his MotoGP rivals as he cruised to a second Donington Park victory in as many years. The 2007 World Champion was the fastest off the line from pole position, taking the kind of runaway win typical of his title winning year at the bwin.com British Grand Prix.

With his second triumph of the season, Stoner moved his way up to third in the overall classification. The two riders ahead of him in the standings, Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa, were involved in an entertaining battle some seven seconds back, trading places repeatedly at the midway point of the race. Riding in his 200th Grand Prix, Fiat Yamaha rider Rossi eventually won out, continuing a seven race run of podium finishes in 2008.

Repsol Honda’s Pedrosa also has seven rostrum appearances to his name this year, and came in third at the scene of his 2006 victory. His consistency keeps up the pressure on series leader Rossi, who he trails by just eleven points.

Colin Edwards was the highest placing satellite rider, finishing fourth onboard the Tech 3 Yamaha M1. Whilst his was a positive result, teammate and home rider James Toseland had a miserable time of things in the race, crashing on the first corner and finishing last after picking the bike back up.

Last year’s 250cc race winner, Andrea Dovizioso had another creditable showing on his first MotoGP appearance at Donington Park. The JiR Team Scot rookie was fearless even when surrounded by experienced campaigners, concluding the race in fifth ahead of fellow debutant and long-time rival Jorge Lorenzo.

Nicky Hayden, Chris Vermeulen, Shinya Nakano and Anthony West completed the top ten, whilst Rizla Suzuki’s stand-in rider Ben Spies earned his first MotoGP points on his maiden appearance. The American will now wait to find out if his services are required for the upcoming A-Style TT Assen, or if Loris Capirossi –injured but watching on in Donington- will be fit for a return to action in the Netherlands.

The only rider unable to finish the race was John Hopkins, the Kawasaki rider retiring with a mechanical problem.

Results