Bridgestone motorsport wrap for 3rd June 2008
Rossi on a roll
Valentino Rossi has taken his third race in succession to open up a commanding lead in the Moto GP world championship.
The Italian, with his Yamaha on Bridgestone tyres, started the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello from pole position but got away slowly, dropping to fourth by the first bend.
However, he needed only four laps to reclaim the lead with a brilliant manoeuvre to overtake Australia's defending world champ, Casey Stoner.
From there, Rossi never looked in any trouble, winning his home grand prix for the seventh year in succession. He also delighted the 94,000-strong crowd by wearing a helmet with a picture of his grinning face on the top, so it could be seen even when he was crouched over the handlebars.
Stoner finished second, with the power of his Ducati keeping him in front of Dani Pedrosa. However, the Australian will need better than second step on the podium from now on, with 46 points separating him from Rossi.
"This win is a great feeling. I tried to push hard and my Yamaha and Bridgestone tyres worked very well from the start right to the end," Rossi said.
"I wanted to slow down a bit towards the end because of the heat but Casey was strong all the way, so I was forced to push. It's wonderful to be on the podium with two very strong riders. We arrived to find the right set-up for the bike and the right tyre for these temperatures. It's been a great race that I want to dedicate to everyone that came here for the race - it's always very emotional."
The result gave Bridgestone a one-two finish in what was a strong weekend. Mixed weather conditions in the free practice sessions hindered race tyre preparations, but with track temperatures heating up for the race, most riders opted for hard specification rear tyres and medium spec fronts which performed competitively right to the end of the race.
"It is fantastic to see two Bridgestone riders on the top two steps of the podium for the first time this season," said Hiroshi Yamada, Bridgestone Motorsport's Manager, Motorcycle Sport Unit.
"Valentino produced one of his trademark Mugello performances and his victory was a great achievement. With Valentino's unbeaten record in Mugello, and his pole position from Saturday, we were under a lot of pressure today, so I am glad our tyres were up to the job," he said.
"Ducati and Casey must also be praised for a great weekend and second place in their home GP. The atmosphere in Mugello is always very special but Valentino and Casey made it extra special for me today."
Rossi's victory completed an Italian hat-trick with Marco Simoncelli having won the 250cc race and Simone Corsi coming home first in the 125cc race.
Round seven of the 18-race series is at Catalunya in Spain in a week's time.
MotoGP world championship standings:
1 V Rossi (It) Yamaha 122points
2 D Pedrosa (Sp) Honda 110
3 J Lorenzo (Sp) Yamaha 94
4 C Stoner (Aus) Ducati 76
5 C Edwards (US) Yamaha 58