Valentino Rossi stormed to his 100th grand prix victory at the Assen MotoGP in the Netherlands on Saturday.
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Valentino Rossi of Italy reacts on the podium after winning the MotoGP race and his 100th GP victory in Assen, northern Netherlands, Saturday June 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski) |
The Italian, riding his Yamaha to the landmark win.
Starting on pole position, the scene was set for Rossi to chalk up his 100th MotoGP win. But Casey Stoner - who won at Assen last year - surged up from third to take the lead at the first bend.
The man they call 'The Doctor' was not to be denied. However, a lap later, Rossi wrestled control back from his Australian rival and pulled away - the race result as good as settled.
Tony Elias and Randy de Puniet did their best to liven things up with a tussle for position in the middle of the field. The pair finishing in seventh and eighth places respectively.
For Rossi it was all too easy, compiling a huge advantage over the rest of the field
Now, if only Loris Capirossi could have shown the same masterful control, as a late error sent him veering off track and out of the top six.