Australian MotoGP: Casey Stoner wins as Nicky Hayden retires

Casey Stoner has won the Australian round of the 2007 MotoGP championship, continuing his dominant season, and taking the trophy at his home round of the championship.

Ducati riders took first and second with Casey Stoner’s team-mate, Loris Capirossi, passing Marco Melandri, and then Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa in a single move, in the closing stages. Valentino Rossi took third from pole sitter Dani Pedrosa, unable to match the pace of Casey Stoner as the 21-year-old Australian pulled clear of the field.

Stoner’s only obstacle was Repsol Honda’s Nicky Hayden, who was under pressure for the first ten laps, before Stoner was able to pass. Having also lot a place to Valentino Rossi, Hayden’s year pf bad luck returned as he was forced to retire due to engine failure.

1. Casey Stoner

2. Loris Capirossi.

3. Valentino Rossi.

4. Dani Pedrosa.

5. Alex Barros.

6. Randy de Puniet.

7. John Hopkins.

8. Chris Vermeulen.

9. Colin Edwards.

10. Marco Melandri.