Seven-times world motorcycling champion Valentino Rossi got back to winning ways with a 10th victory of the season at the Qatar Grand Prix. The Italian Yamaha rider had missed out on race victories over the last two weekends in Japan and Malaysia.
But Rossi was back to his best on Saturday, fending off a late challenge by Marco Melandri on a Honda.
Early leader Sete Gibernau of Spain slid off course on the 18th of the 22 laps but recovered to finish fifth.
"For me, it was the best race of the year," said Rossi, who was timed at 43 minutes 33.759 seconds.
"It feels incredible to have won here. Everybody gave more than 100% and the battle was fantastic.
"It was a tough race with quite a few strong riders battling it out at the finish. It was not easy to overtake, but a few of them managed to do it."
Full race results:
1. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha 43:33.759
2. Marco Melandri (Italy) Honda 43:35.429
3. Nicky Hayden (United States) Honda 43:39.295
4. Colin Edwards (United States) Yamaha 43:48.496
5. Sete Gibernau (Spain) Honda 43:54.190
6. Carlos Checa (Spain) Ducati 44:05.191
7. Shinya Nakano (Japan) Kawasaki 44:06.742
8. Toni Elias (Spain) Yamaha 44:13.647
9. Alex Barros (Brazil) Honda 44:15.551
10. Loris Capirossi (Italy) Ducati 44:18.011
11. Kenny Roberts Jr. (United States) Suzuki 44:22.504
12. Roberto Rolfo (Italy) Ducati 44:35.750
13. Shane Byrne (Britain) Honda 44:38.564
14. Ruben Xaus (Spain) Yamaha 44:47.583
15. James Ellison (Britain) Blata 45:42.401
MMIX
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