Earth, Wind and Fire for Valentino RossiThe MotoGP stars took everything the weather could throw at them at the very first Red Bull Indy Grand Prix at Indianapolis to produce an amazing race that virtually assured the 2008 World Championship for Valentino Rossi.
Torrential rain and gale force winds brought the race to a premature end but not before Rossi had secured his seventh win of the season to open up an 87 point lead over Casey Stoner with just four rounds of the Championship remaining.
Local hero the 2006 World Champion Nicky Hayden had to settle for a brave second after leading in the early stages on the Repsol Honda with Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo, Rossi’s Fiat Yamaha team-mate in third place. Lorenzo admitted it was the first time in his complete career that he’d finished on the podium in wet conditions.
The car orientated American fans could not believe it – Indy and NASCAR drivers will not race in the rain, let along tornado strength winds.
Redding Best of the Sodden BritsFifteen year old Scott Redding led the wet and cold British challenge by finishing fourth in the shortened 125cc race. He looked set for a podium finish until being pipped by Stefan Bradl just before the race was stopped because of a flooded track.
Bradley Smith was forced off the track on the first lap when Michael Ransedar crashed in front of him. He fought back bravely to finish eighth with Danny Webb also dropping right back on the first lap to eventually finish 15th.
In the MotoGP race James Toseland made a good start but eventually dropped back to finish out of the points in 18th place.
The 250 cc race was cancelled because of the conditions.
Race Result:1. Valentino
ROSSI (ITA YAMAHA)
37'20.095 2. Nicky
HAYDEN (USA HONDA)
37'26.067 3. Jorge
LORENZO (SPA YAMAHA)
37'27.953 4. Casey
STONER (AUS DUCATI)
37'48.257 5. Andrea
DOVIZIOSO (ITA HONDA)
37'48.919 6. Ben
SPIES (USA SUZUKI)
37'49.740 7. Sylvain
GUINTOLI (FRA DUCATI)
37'56.318 8. Dani
PEDROSA (SPA HONDA)
37'57.353 Championship Positions:1.
ROSSI Valentino
287 pts
2.
STONER Casey
200 pts
3.
PEDROSA Dani
193 pts
4.
LORENZO Jorge
156 pts
5.
DOVIZIOSO Andrea
129 pts
6.
VERMEULEN Chris
117 pts
7.
EDWARDS Colin
109 pts
8.
HAYDEN Nicky
104 pts
More information: motogp.com
