Current MotoGP championship leader Valentino Rossi will be celebrating his 200th Grand Prix appearance this week-end at Donington and he has won five British Grand Prix, including his first 500cc victory back in 2000. The Italian is on a stellar run of six podium finishes from the first seven races of 2008, including consecutive victories in China, France and Italy. Second place in Catalunya, from ninth on the grid, at the most recent round reflected a performance that was vintage Rossi. A gap of seven points now separates the Fiat Yamaha rider from nearest rival Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa. Pedrosa has also only once finished off the podium this season and the Spaniard may have some extra engine power at his disposal in Britain, with Honda´s RC212V pneumatic valve engine. Final decision will likely be taken on the eve of British Grand Prix. Rossi's teammate Jorge Lorenzo who drove the last two races without picking up points have taken their toll on his chances of catching Rossi. The rookie should be on hand at Donington despite the injuries he suffered following a crash during Friday free practice in Catalunya.
MotoGP: Rossi feels at ease at Donington