Rossi relieved to end winless streak

After a frustrating start to the season following a change from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres, Rossi wasn't sure that the winless streak that started at the end of last season would be broken.

But things came good for the Italian today and he had the pace to dominate the race.

"I'm very happy because I've come from a long time without a victory," he said. "It was a difficult period for me. We changed tyres, and some other things, so we've had to work hard, but we always knew we had good potential.

"I felt really good from Friday this weekend. It was the first time I've been able to still have a great pace after 15 laps and it was good to qualify on the front row yesterday."

Despite rain early in the morning, the circuit was dry for the race which gave Rossi the conditions he felt he needed to win.

"This morning when I saw rain I was quite upset, but as soon as I understood that it was possible to race in the dry, I thought that today was my day.

"I felt confident with the bike from the first lap, and after I got in front I got into my rhythm. I thought a 1:59.6 second lap would be enough but Dani (Pedrosa) stayed with me to the end so I had to push a little bit more.

"This is a great victory because I was able to ride the bike just how I want, all the way to the end. I have to thank my team because this is great for us and I feel confident for the rest of the championship."