Stoner hits form in Britain

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-23  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

AUSTRALIA'S world champion Casey Stoner eased to victory at the British Grand Prix yesterday to win his first race since March.

Stoner, who started on pole for only the second time this season, crossed the line ahead of championship leader Valentino Rossi at Donington Park. The Italian's nearest rival, Dani Pedrosa of Spain, climbed from ninth on the grid to finish third.

The Australian, riding a Ducati, never looked in danger of surrendering his advantage and finished 5.789 seconds ahead of Yamaha's Rossi to take his first checkered flag since the season-opener in Qatar.

Rossi extended his overall lead over Pedrosa to 11 points while Stoner moved ahead of Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo into third place, 45 points behind the four-time champion after eight races.

Earlier, Briton Scott Redding became the youngest grand prix race winner when he won the 125cc race at the age of 15.

The rookie also recorded the first home win at the Donington Park circuit and ended his country's 451-race wait for a 125cc winner since Chas Mortimer won in Spain in 1973.

Redding came home over five seconds ahead of championship leader Mike di Meglio of France, who began the race from 20th on the grid. Spain's Marc Marquez was third.

Finland's Mika Kallio edged Marco Simoncelli to win the 250cc race and stretch his championship lead over the Italian to eight points. Spain's Alex Debon was third.