MotoGP news

Rossi aiming for last Donington win

Valentino Rossi is hoping to pick up a final race victory at Donington Park this weekend before the British round of the championship heads to Silverstone from next season onwards. After the German Grand Prix, the field has less than a week to regroup and travel to Derbyshire for Round 10 of 2009.

Rossi led home another Yamaha one-two in Germany on Sunday

Winner at the Sachsenring on Sunday, Rossi is hoping to achieve his second success in seven days as the battle continues to clinch a sixth world crown. Now 14 points ahead of Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, Valentino hopes to bow out of Donington on a high.

"Last year I had a good race at Donington to finish second but this year I really want to win!" said the Italian. "I've always said that Donington is one of my favourite tracks in the world - it's fast and flowing but also technical - and also the UK is a very special place for me because, for a long time, it was my home. This is the last year we are going to race there, which I am really sad about, but that makes me even more determined to try to win there - for me and for the fans, who have always treated me like one of their own."

As ever, rain could again be a feature in Britain this year

A memorable race four years ago saw Rossi almost experience a large highside at a torrentially wet Redgate corner, although a masterly save resulted in another victorious afternoon. "I haven't won there since 2005, which is too long and I would like to say 'goodbye' to the track in the best way," he continued.

"Last year we couldn't take the fight to Stoner but this year our bike is extremely competitive and we're arriving as leaders in the championship so we're in a very strong position. We don't have much time to rest after the Sachsenring but we have a good break after this race to look forward. Let's hope we can extend our lead even more before then."

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