Highlights

Rossi wins Germany Grand Prix MotoGP

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-07-17 10:02

Valentino Rossi of Italy won the German Grand Prix to keep alive his MotoGP defense.

The Yamaha rider fought from 11th position at the start for his second straight win at the Sachsenring circuit, holding off a challenge from compatriot Marco Melandri on the final lap to win by 0.145 seconds.

American Nicky Hayden completed the podium to maintain his lead in the overall championship standings with 169 points.

Spain's Dani Pedrosa, fourth in Germany after starting from pole, dropped to third in the championship race on 140 points behind Rossi who has 143.