"I got a good start and I was able to pass him in the first lap, but I knew I had to try and stay in front of him and it was impossible to relax even for one second. My M1 was brilliant and so were my
Bridgestone tyres; I really only made one mistake, at the corkscrew when I went a bit wide but in fact the dirt had quite good grip also!
"Casey was a bit faster on the straight than me but I was stronger on the brakes so I had to make all my passes there. I don't know how many times we changed the lead but it was a lot and it was great, great racing for me and I think also for the fans, because it's been a while since we've been like this.
"It was a hell of a battle, a lot of fun and it is an important victory," smiled the seven time world champion.
Rossi also explained why he stopped at the top of the Corkscrew to kiss the ground during his slowdown lap. "The Corkscrew is difficult [for me] in 2005 and 2006. I practiced and practiced to make it right," he said.
"Although it was not there, we saw the 'heart' on Valentino's helmet again today!" said team manager Davide Brivio. "This is a great victory because throughout the entire weekend we were at a disadvantage, but nobody ever gave up and we worked until the very last minute to find a way to help Valentino to fight with Casey.
"We tried to optimize everything we had and at the end 'The Doctor' completed the operation! This was a race Valentino did not want to lose. This is Valentino, one who never gives up and fights until the end. I hope to see battles like this one until the end of the championship," he added.
Rossi is now looking forward to enjoying a much needed holiday - but expects Yamaha to use the time off until Brno on August 17 to work flat out on improvements to keep his M1 at the top of the world championship standings.
