Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner (Photo: Brian J Nelson) ยป More Photos
Valentino Rossi scored his first MotoGP victory in America today, overcoming Casey Stoner in an epic battle to win the U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca. The absorbing contest between Rossi and Stoner was the centerpiece of breathtaking race that saw Rossi extend his championship lead to 25 points over Stoner.
Rossi secured his victory on lap 24 of 32 when Stoner made a rare mistake and ran wide at the final corner and dumped his Ducati in the gravel. That cost the young Australian a chance of pushing for victory over the final laps with Rossi able to cruise to a 13-second margin with Stoner remounting for second.
But the Rossi-Stoner battle ended in a sharp exchange
The following conversation was picked up by UK broadcaster BBC on their live coverage of the post race confrontation as Rossi attempted to shake hands with Stoner:
Rossi: "Great race."
Stoner: "No, you can't race this way."
Rossi: "That's racing, Casey."
Stoner: "That's racing? Okay, we'll see."
After a strong ride from the third row of the grid Suzuki rider Chris Vermeulen was an impressive third although no match for the front-running pace of Rossi and Stoner.
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