Date:19/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/19/stories/2008051955022200.htm

Sport - Racing : Motor

Another feather in Rossi’s cap

LE MANS: Valentino Rossi of Italy won the French Grand Prix on Sunday for his 90th victory in all classes, tying with Angel Nieto for second place on the all-time list and moving into the Moto GP overall lead.

“To tie Nieto is like a dream,” said Rossi, who also won the Shanghai GP two weeks ago. “I didn’t expect to be so fast, but we made some modifications after the warm-up and the bike worked well. I haven’t won two races in a row since 2006. That means we are back in business,” he said.

Giacomo Agostini leads overall with 122 victories.

Jorge Lorenzo staged an impressive comeback, despite two injured ankles and crashes on Friday and Saturday, to finish second. Colin Edwards of the United States finished third.

Rossi leads with 97 points after five rounds. Pedrosa and Lorenzo are next with 94. — AP