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Thursday, 15th May 2008

Valentino Rossi's victory in China marked the Italian's 89th victory in all classes of grand prix racing.

The seven time world champion thus needs just one more win to match Angel Nieto, who is second on the all time win list. Coincidently, Rossi also needs just one more podium finish to equal Nieto's 139 during his grand prix career.

"90 is a great number," smiled Rossi. "In 2005 I caught Hailwood, a legend, and now I'm very close to Angel who is a good friend of mine. I have just one less so we'll try to win as soon as possible to equal another legend of motorcycle racing."

Giacomo Agostini holds the record for both total grand prix victories (122) and podium finishes (159). However, when looking just at the premier 500cc/MotoGP class, Agostini (68 wins) is now only five ahead of Rossi.

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"Ago has 68 in the premier class. So just five more than me," confirmed Rossi. "Now we have two targets; to arrive at 90 and then catch Ago in the premier class. 122 is 33 more than I have now and will be difficult, but maybe not impossible..."

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