Reverend
June 23rd, 2008, 00:14 AM
Reigning world champion Casey Stoner completed a dominant weekend at Donington with a pole-to-flag victory in the British MotoGP.
The Australian set the fastest times in practice and qualifying, and cruised home 5.789 seconds clear of the field.
Championship leader Valentino Rossi was second, just ahead of Dani Pedrosa.
James Toseland had a disastrous start to his home grand prix, crashing on the first corner of the first lap before eventually finishing in 17th place.
At the front, Stoner's victory was as comfortable as it was consummate, and he said afterwards: "We weren't really sure this new set-up would work around this circuit but it did and I hope it can continue. At least we can fight for the championship now.
"We have picked it up a little bit this weekend and, with this new setting, and if we can carry on, then maybe we can chase the championship leaders down."
The real race battle occurred between Rossi, in his 200th grand prix, and Pedrosa in the tussle for second.
The pair toed and froed throughout the race, until the toil of having to battle through the field from ninth on the grid appeared to take its toll on Pedrosa, who eventually settled for third.
It means Rossi extends his championship lead over the Spaniard, while Stoner leaps into third spot to keep his hopes of retaining his title just about alive.
British MotoGP result:
1. C Stoner (Aus) Ducati
2. V Rossi (Ita) Yamaha
3. D Pedrosa (Spa) Honda
4. C Edwards (US) Yamaha
5. A Dovizioso (Ita) Honda
6. J Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha
7. N Hayden (US) Honda
8. C Vermeulen (Aus) Suzuki
Championship Standings:
1. V Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 162 pts
2. D Pedrosa (Spa) Honda 151
3. C Stoner (Aus) Ducati 117
4. J Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha 104
5. C Edwards (USA) Yamaha 82 .
BBC Sport (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/7468161.stm)
The Australian set the fastest times in practice and qualifying, and cruised home 5.789 seconds clear of the field.
Championship leader Valentino Rossi was second, just ahead of Dani Pedrosa.
James Toseland had a disastrous start to his home grand prix, crashing on the first corner of the first lap before eventually finishing in 17th place.
At the front, Stoner's victory was as comfortable as it was consummate, and he said afterwards: "We weren't really sure this new set-up would work around this circuit but it did and I hope it can continue. At least we can fight for the championship now.
"We have picked it up a little bit this weekend and, with this new setting, and if we can carry on, then maybe we can chase the championship leaders down."
The real race battle occurred between Rossi, in his 200th grand prix, and Pedrosa in the tussle for second.
The pair toed and froed throughout the race, until the toil of having to battle through the field from ninth on the grid appeared to take its toll on Pedrosa, who eventually settled for third.
It means Rossi extends his championship lead over the Spaniard, while Stoner leaps into third spot to keep his hopes of retaining his title just about alive.
British MotoGP result:
1. C Stoner (Aus) Ducati
2. V Rossi (Ita) Yamaha
3. D Pedrosa (Spa) Honda
4. C Edwards (US) Yamaha
5. A Dovizioso (Ita) Honda
6. J Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha
7. N Hayden (US) Honda
8. C Vermeulen (Aus) Suzuki
Championship Standings:
1. V Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 162 pts
2. D Pedrosa (Spa) Honda 151
3. C Stoner (Aus) Ducati 117
4. J Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha 104
5. C Edwards (USA) Yamaha 82 .
BBC Sport (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/7468161.stm)