Valentino Rossi's title hopes are increased

2 months ago 03rd Sep 10:24

Australian Casey Stoner, who started on pole despite fracturing his hand on Friday, misjudged a corner, lost control and crashed.

That left Italian Rossi in the lead and the Yamaha rider roared home.

Rossi's victory equalled fellow Italian Giacomo Agostini's record of 68 wins.

Britain's James Toseland had a good race and came home in sixth place after a thrilling battle with Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen.

Rossi hailed his 'incredible' landmark Rossi's team-mate Jorge Lorenzo clinched second and the final place on the podium went to Toni Elias.

But the story of the race was undoubtedly Stoner's crash, which virtually ends his hopes of retaining his title with still five races to go, and Rossi's astonishing record-equalling feat.

Pole-sitter Stoner got a storming start and quickly set about putting distance between himself and the rest.

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