Ducati’s Loris Capirossi put in a dominating performance at today’s Grand Prix of Japan, starting from pole and leading every lap to repeat his victory last year at the same track. This was Capirossi’s third win of the season.
Behind Capirossi’s Ducati were two more Italians – the Yamaha of defending champion Valentino Rossi crossed the line in second position, ahead of third-placed Marco Melandri on his Honda.
Points leader Nicky Hayden (Honda) was running in sixth position near the end of the race, but benefitted when Shinya Nakano (Kawasaki) crashed out of fifth while attempting to challenge Sete Gibernau (Ducati) for fourth. This handed fifth to Hayden, although he still lost a good portion of his points lead by finishing off the podium – he now leads Rossi by only twelve points, with two races to go.
For additional details, results, and points, check out the official MotoGP website.
