The Italian Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi took the victory at the latest Moto GP Grand Prix in the Czech Republic after defeating Ducati rider Casey Stoner despite the Australian’s good performance leading the competition. Toni Elías who is also a Ducati rider arrived in second place after a sensational race.

With this achievement Rossi adds twenty-five extra points to his name and now is fifty points away from the Australian Stoner while there are only six races remaining to finish the championship.

Other two strong rivals are the Spaniards; Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) and Dani Pedrosa (Honda) who did not have a very impressive race and finished in tenth and fifteenth position respectively. Unfortunately for Pedrosa he is no more a candidate to win this year’s title. Another unexpected finish was that of Andrea Dovizioso (Honda) who finished in ninth place.

The Czech Grand Prix was considered a new chapter in the fight both riders Stoner and Rossi put up at Laguna Seca a few weeks ago. During the exit in pole position Stoner quickly took advantage over Rossi who led a small group behind him, among them were John Hopkins (Kawasaki) and, after him, Anthony West (Kawasaki), Chris Vermeulen (Suzuki) and Pedrosa.

In the third lap Elías reached the eighth position while Pedrosa began to fade behind to the ninth place and in the following lap Stoner just could not keep up the paste and also felt behind the group situation that favored Rossi was able to lead with a seven second of advantage.

By the fifth lap Pedrosa had already lost enough positions and was in thirteenth place. The peak of the competition was reached only within seconds after when Stoner completely lost control of his motorcycle falling to the ground. Despite his actions to continue racing and setting his motorcycle on track, he became aware that the right part of the handlebars was broken and he had to withdraw. Rossi was then advised by his teammates that Stoner was no longer behind him and he had the track completely for himself.

For the remaining part of the race the rider Toni Elías showed an impressive display of speed reaching the second place and keeping it until the very end of the race; this was without a doubt an unforgettable weekend for the young rider. Meanwhile, Randy de Puniet also faced mechanical problems and finished last.

Currently, the Italian Valentino Rossi leads the Moto GP World Championship with a total of 237 points followed by the defending champion, the Australian racing star Casey Stoner, who is also one of the favorites to win the title. The Spaniard Dani Pedrosa remains third, with 172 points and Jorge Lorenzo is in fourth place with 120 points. Even though the championship is not over yet we can see how the pieces are adjusting as we start to see whom the next world champion may be.

Rossi suffered a mediocre start dropping down into 5th position, and gradually down to 7th through a few corners more. Blasting from the docks was Nicky Hayden, who held an advantage in fourth place though would have to catch the Ducati Duo of Bayliss and Capirossi, who held the One-Two positions in any attempt at reeling in the world title.

Unforeseen was Championship Leader Rossi’s huge error on lap five whilst leant over mid corner. The young Italian lost the front end of his Camel Yamaha, sending his 2006 title hopes into the gravel and out of contention. Despite the off a desperate Rossi remounted in hope of retaining some points, it was not yet over by Rossi’s standards. Uncharacteristically the Italian had seemed edgy throughout morning warm-up, having only posted an eleventh quickest time in the untimed practice. Turned on its Heels, the advantage now lay with Hayden how rode amazingly, even under the serious pressure of having the world title within immediate reach.

Almost overlooking the battle for honours at front having witnessed the title drama unfold, Troy Bayliss had extended his lead to an incredible two-seconds over part-time team mate Loris Cappirossi. In search of his first ever Moto GP victory, Bayliss a man on a mission, held his own to the line and braced a superb win. Capirossi followed home in second place making it a one two for Marlboro Ducati, whilst we all waited in awe for that #69 Honda of Nicky Hayden to blast out onto home straight. A glimpse in the distance of the orange and blue Repsol livery through the final curve ensured it was finally here, the dawn of a new World Moto GP champion! Bracing the chequered flag, Kentucky Kid Hayden raised his arms in disbelief, having earlier almost accepted Rossi’s title retaining yet again. Followed by an emphatic display of emotion, Hayden pursued to smoke the back tyre, wheelie and celebrate in true championship winning style!