Italy's MotoGP rider Loris Capirossi celebrates his win on the victory podium at the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi, north of Tokyo, September 24, 2006.[Reuters]

Reigning MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi finished second on a Yamaha and Honda rider Marco Melandri took third.

Championship leader Nicky Hayden of the United States finished fifth on a Honda with his points advantage over Rossi narrowed to 12, with two races to go in the 17-leg season.