MotoGP: Stoner wins - Pedrosa... almost did!

Marlboro Ducati driver Casey Stoner took his fourth MotoGP win of the season in a race that saw a lot of rain and harsh conditions as well as many crashes along the way. But right from the start the lead was taken by Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa who did not take long to open up a gap of more than 7.4 seconds in front of the others following him. Unfortunately for the Spaniard he crashed out on lap 6 and was never able to continue.After getting by Dovizioso on lap two, the crash opened the way for Stoner. MotoGP champion than took first place and never looked back to take his third win in a row.Fiat Yamaha's Valentino Rossi had a very ordinary start but quickly regain momentum to finish second after exchanging quick laps with the Australian.Chris Vermeulen finished in third place which was impressive considering he started in 14th. He was followed by Honda Gresini's Alex de Angelis, just 0.122 seconds behind at the flag.
Race Results: Pos Rider Bike Time1. Casey Stoner Ducati (B) 47:30.0572. Valentino Rossi Yamaha (B) + 3.7083. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki (B) + 14.0024. Alex de Angelis Honda (B) + 14.1245. Andrea Dovizioso Honda (M) + 42.0226. Sylvain Guintoli Ducati (B) + 46.6487. Loris Capirossi Suzuki (B) +1:04.4838. Randy de Puniet Honda (M) +1:04.5889. Shinya Nakano Honda (B) +1:16.77310. Anthony West Kawasaki (B) +1:29.27511. James Toseland Yamaha (M) + 1 Lap12. Toni Elias Ducati (B) + 1 Lap13. Nicky Hayden Honda (M) + 2 Laps
Retirements: Rider Bike Lap Colin Edwards Yamaha (M) 20 Marco Melandri Ducati (B) 9 Dani Pedrosa Honda (M) 5Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha (M) 2