Rossi only wrapped up victory at the very end of the race

Dani Pedrosa shrugged off injuries from a practice crash to finish third, ahead of championship leader Nicky Hayden.

The lead changed hand numerous times in the closing laps with the Yamaha rider's win in doubt until the finish.

Hayden's championship lead over Pedrosa is now down to 22 points, with Rossi four points behind him in third.

Rossi and Capirossi's rivalry is entirely good natured, and afterwards Rossi said he was thrilled his fifth win of the season had been so exciting.

"I would pay for racing like this," Rossi told reporters after his fifth win of the season.

"This time I won but even if I was second in the battle I would be happy because it was an incredible fight, one of the best of my career.

"When we fight together, it is a great show. We are old-style riders, very aggressive, overtaking a lot and enjoying the battle. It's a lot of fun."

Capirossi said he too was proud to have been part of such a battle.

"When we have a battle like this, it is not a problem to lose because it was a fantastic race with a lot of overtaking," said the Ducati rider.

After the race Pedrosa had to be taken to the track medical centre because the gash he suffered to his right knee in practice opened up again during the race.

Sunday's Moto GP result:

1 V Rossi (It) Yamaha 43:07.829
2 L Capirossi (It) Ducati 43:08.678
3 D Pedrosa (Sp) Honda 43:11.692
4 N Hayden (US) Honda 43:13.609
5 S Gibernau (Sp) Ducati 43:17.130
6 J Hopkins (US) Suzuki 43:18.910
7 K Roberts Jr (US) Team Roberts 43:19.667
8 C Stoner (Aus) Honda 43:20.096
9 M Melandri (It) Honda 43:22.848
10 C Edwards (US) Yamaha 43:27.738

Championship standings:

1 N Hayden (US) Honda 214 pts
2 D Pedrosa (Sp) Honda 192
3 V Rossi (It) Yamaha 188
4 L Capirossi (It) Ducati 171
5 M Melandri (It) Honda 168

250 cc result:

1 J Lorenzo (Sp) Aprilia 43:15.499
2 A Dovizioso (It) Honda @ 5.428 secs
3 A de Angelis (SM) Aprilia @ 10.255 secs

125 cc result:

1 A Bautista (Sp) Aprilia 26:52.125
2 M Kallio (Fin) KTM @ 3.577 secs
3 H Faubel (Sp) Aprilia @ 9.904 secs