Melandri wins in Turkey

Marco Melandri took his first MotoGP victory at the Turkish GP, taking the lead from Sete Gibernau at the first corner and holding off Valentino Rossi until the chequered flag.

Gibernau saw his hopes of winning from pole position fade following a trip into the gravel on lap six, and the Spaniard could only recover to take fourth place. Valentino Rossi also recovered from a bad start, but could only close to 1.5 seconds behind the leader to take second place. Third went to Repsol Honda rider Nicky Hayden.

Chris Vermeulen finished in 11th place, one place ahead of Max Biaggi. Britain’s James Ellison finished in 18th.

In the 250cc GP British star Chaz Davies finished in 10th position on the Aprilia Germany bike.

MotoGP of Turkey:

1. Melandri.

2. Rossi.

3. Hayden.

4. Gibernau.

5. Checa.

6. Elias.

7. Edwards.

8. Tamada.

9. Barros.

10. Nakano.

11. Vermeulen.

12. Biaggi.

13. Jacque.

14. Xaus.

15. Hopkins.

16. Rolfo.

17. Battaini.

18. Ellison.

DNF: Ito.