FROM OUR WIRE SERVICES...

...which appear to be bent, frankly.

The article pertains to the recent MotoGP round from the Czech Republic's Brno circuit.

I watched the race and Stoner and Rossi both buggered off on the rest of the field, creating a 7 second lead after just 5 laps. Stoner was trying to break Rossi and Rossi...well, he was doing what he does so well - just hanging behind, keeping pace, checking out his opponent's weak spots.
Lap 7 saw Stoner lose it when after braking hard into the turn and then releasing the brakes, his front end just let go sending him into the "kitty litter". Game over for him. Rossi went on to win by just shy of 17 seconds from Elias and Capirossi.

These are the facts.



The Daily Rag's report:

According to the Rag, Rossi said, "Without Stoner's fall I probably wouldn't have won".

Bollocks! I saw the race and the post race interviews (which is surprising in itself as no Aussies made the podium) and not once did Rossi even intimate such a thing. What he did say, however (paraphrased), was that he had Stoner's pace and was happy to sit there for the time being secure in the knowledge that he could pass him at will later in the race. It's classic Rossi.

He now has a 50 point lead with 6 rounds remaining. If Stoner wins every remaining race (hardly likely) and Rossi gets second, Rossi will still win the championship.

Number EIGHT. That's right, eight world titles and he's what, 26 or something?


As for The Daily Rag. Glorified toilet paper.