Rossi celebrates 'great victory'

The Fiat Yamaha rider clawed back to second place in the first half of the race, before fighting for the lead with championship rival Casey Stoner, who he finally passed with three laps to go.

"It was a great race," said Rossi. "Today all worked very well. For sure, starting from 11th position, I was quite worried but I know that with these conditions we are fast. Today we improved the setting and my Yamaha worked very well.

"At the beginning I didn't know what to expect from the race: I just tried to make a recovery to the top, but I saw my bike was very fast and I remembered to catch Casey who was already in front.

"I had some advantage, so lap by lap I caught up and when I arrived behind him I was very tired and my tyres were sliding because I had to push a lot.

"Casey was very fast. When I arrived behind him he went even faster but in the end I tried and in the last three laps I was very fast and was able to win.

"It's an important victory and I have to thank Michelin because the tyres worked well to the end, and all my guys and Yamaha."

Rossi is now 21 points behind Stoner in the championship table.

The Italian also sent his best wishes to rival Toni Elias, who broke his leg in Friday's practice session. 

"I want to say good luck to Toni Elias because he is a hard rival but he has a bad injury so I hope to see him back on the circuit very soon," said Rossi.