MotoGP Racing - Sportbike News

MotoGP News - Rossi back on top after Jerez

May 3, 2009

Reigning world champion Valentino Rossi finds himself back at the top after an absolutely flawless performance in Jerez. Starting from the second row after slipping down the board in qualifying, Rossi battled his way to his first 2009 victory in one of the most exciting races we've seen in a long time.

Dani Pedrosa turned in a brilliant performance as he led most of the race in front of his home crowd - looking to engage in a hard-core battle with fellow countryman Jorge Lorenzo.... but it was not to be. Jorge made a valiant effort running most of the race in 4th place on the heels of Casey Stoner. Unfortunately, his last ditch, balls-out effort to overtake Stoner was too much for his Yamaha to commit to. He washed out in a viscious low-side and was rendered out of the points and out of the lead in the world championship standings. What a disappointment for Lorenzo after coming into the race so strong.

In the end, Vale systematically hunted down and overtook Pedrosa, like only Vale can. He schooled the field in a master class of technical perfection and flawless execution and took his rightful place at the top of the podium and the top of the world championship standings, now holding a 9 point lead over Casey Stoner. After the checkered flag, Rossi pulled out every win-display in his roster as he showed nothing but love for his faithful Yam during his victory lap and re-created a piece of history with his classic dash to the porta-potti.

Dani finished a well-earned second, and Casey rounded out the top three. Jorge's untimely low-side opened the door to fourth place for..... wait for it...... Randy De Puniet. What a fantastic run for Randy. He was solid, fast and upright through the entire race - a huge bump of confidence as he prepares for his home circuit appearance in Le Mans in two weeks.

Marco Melandri - my favorite stickin'-it-to-Kawasaki rider this year finished an imressive 5th today after an 11th place start. The battle for 5th, 6th and 7th was epic and well-played among Melandri, Capirossi and Edwards, who crossed the line in that order. Mika Kallio was forced to retire to the pits about half-way through due to a rear brake problem with his Ducati. He was visibly upset, and rightfully so, as he walked away from bike and crew and disappeared into the back of the garage.

Nicky Hayden is still struggling to find his groove on his Ducati - he finished down the board in 15th, trailed by rookie Niccolo Canepa. Sete Gibernau (with his new paint scheme - yea, don't look for the blinding Italian colors on the grid 'cause they aren't there anymore... he zebrad himself into the herd with an anonymous black and white scheme ) finished 11th and behind him, Yuki, Toseland and de Angelis respectively.

Bottom line - it was a fantastic race and interesting lead-in for what will certainly prove to be another exciting round in Le Mans. Here are the final results:

Until next time....

Rubb'er Down

Kristen