Brno MotoGP: Casey Stoner wins as Valentino Rossi's title hopes fade

Casey Stoner produced a dominant display at the Brno MotoGP round as he led from start to finish to win for Ducati and extend his title lead.

Stoner started from pole and was able to consistently put in fast laps to build a comfortable lead over the Rizla Suzuki of John Hopkins. Hopkins took the best result of his career, with reigning champion Nicky Hayden taking a morale-boosting third place over team-mate Dani Pedrosa.

Valentino Rossi had a disapointing race, battling for fifth with Loris Capirossi, Chris Vermeulen and Randy de Puniet. As Rossi faded, Vermeulen was able to push his Suzuki to fifth, with Capirossi sixth.

The only crash was the Fiat Yamaha of Colin Edwards who lost the front of his motorcycle in the opening laps.