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Rossi ties Nieto in dramatic French GP.

Sunday, 18th May 2008

Valentino Rossi has joined Angel Nieto as the second most successful grand prix rider of all time by taking his 90th victory - and second of the 2008 season - during a dramatic French Grand Prix at Le Mans.

John Hopkins held seventh at the midway stage, but was forced into retirement when his Kawasaki shed its chain. Loris Capirossi went on to secure the position, with Nicky Hayden, home hero Randy de Puniet and Shinya Nakano completing the top ten.

Marco Melandri suffered mechanical problems right from the start, but took advantage of the rain to change bikes and collect the final world championship point.

Meanwhile, just three points now separated the world championship top three, with Rossi leading the standings for the first time in 2008 heading into his home Italian Grand Prix, while Lorenzo and Pedrosa are tied for second.

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Stoner's non score has dropped the Australian a worrying 41 points from the lead.


French Grand Prix:

1. Rossi
2. Lorenzo
3. Edwards
4. Pedrosa
5. Vermeulen
6. Dovizioso
7. Capirossi
8. Hayden
9. de Puniet
10. Nakano
11. Elias
12. de Angelis
13. Guintoli
14. West
15. Melandri
16. Stoner

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