By Stephen Burns

Valentino Rossi extended his lead to an almost unassailable 50 points in the World Championship with a dominant victory in the Czech Moto GP race. Although it did not go all his own way.

Having been beaten to pole position by main championship rival Casey Stoner and spending the early part of the race behind the Australian, Rossi applied constant pressure to the Ducati rider until he forced Stoner into an error on lap six and causing him to retire. From that moment on Rossi was in no danger of being challenged for the lead.

Early strong pace from the Kawasaki riders Anthony West and John Hopkins faded as the resurfaced track took its toll on the tyres. Toni Elias on the satellite Ducati put in a brave ride on a difficult machine to finish on the podium for the first time this season with veteran Loris Capirossi taking the final podium step for the Rizla Suzuki Team.

Britain’s James Toseland finished a disappointing 13th but ahead of team mate “The Texan Tornado,” Colin Edwards. This was more a problem caused by running on the unfancied Michelin tyres.

Unless some action is taken by either the organisers (DORNA) or the teams and tyre manufacturers the Moto GP Championship is in danger of not just becoming a two horse race for the title but a two tyre championship as Bridgestone become the dominant tyre force.

Cardion AB Czech Moto GP 1. V. Rossi Fiat Yamaha Team 25 points 2. T. Elias Alice Team 20 3. L. Capirossi Rizla Team Suzuki 16 4. S. Nakano San Carlo Grisini 13 5. A. West Kawasaki Racing Team 11 13. J. Toseland Tech3 Yamaha 3 DNF. C. Stoner Ducati Marlboro Team 0 Wold Championship Positions 1. V. Rossi 237 points 2. C. Stoner 187 3. D. Pedrosa 172 4. J. Lorenzo 120 5. A. Dovizioso 110 11. J. Toseland 75