Valentino Rossi claimed his sixth MotoGP victory of the season on Saturday to increase his World Championship lead.

Rossi rode patiently in Alex Barros' wheel for 15 laps at the Dutch Grand Prix before passing the Brazilian with three laps to go.

After the race, a triumphant Rossi paid tribute to his Brazilian rival.

"Since 2000 I have been riding 500cc machines and I have never seen a two-stroke this fast," he said of Barros' performance.

A delighted Barros added: "I'm pleased with the ride and the weekend would be perfect if Brazil win the World Cup."

Behind them Carlos Checa and Tohru Ukawa left the track on the final bend as they duelled for third.

The Spaniard got back on the track and took third but Ukawa came off his machine and had to remount before finishing fifth.

Earlier 19-year-old Marco Melandri produced a dominant display to win his third straight victory in the 250cc class.

Spanish teenager Daniel Pedrosa was similarly impressive as he took victory in the 125cc division.

"I kept my concentration by treating the whole race like a qualifying session," the 16-year-old said.

"In this way the race seemed quite short for me."

Dutch Grand Prix result:

1, Valentino Rossi, Italy, Honda, 38 minutes 49.425 seconds
2, Alex Barros, Brazil, Honda, 38:51.658
3, Carlos Checa, Spain, Yamaha, 38:59.107
4, Max Biaggi, Italy, Yamaha, 39:02.733
5, Tohru Ukawa, Japan, Honda 39:21.811
6, Kenny Roberts, United States, Suzuki, 39:22.703
7, John Hopkins, United States, Yamaha, 39:24.888
8, Shinya Nakano, Japan, Yamaha, 39:25.044
9, Norick Abe, Japan, Yamaha, 39:26.868
10, Jurgen van der Goorbergh, Netherlands, Honda, 39:37.525

500 cc standings: 1, Rossi 170 points. 2, Ukawa 108. 3, Checa 72.

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