2002 MotoGP Rd 8 – Great Britain – Donington – 14th July
Conditions – Dry
Race Summary:
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Valentino Rossi won his 46th career race at Donington Park, marking his 100th Grand Prix start. He achieved this victory after Carlos Checa, who was leading, crashed on lap 18.
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his victory raised Rossi’s win percentage in the premier class to 50%, with 20 wins from 40 races. The crowd of 60,000-plus was thrilled by his performance.
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Rossi celebrated his win in style, crossing the finish line side-saddle and adding a percentage sign next to his iconic number 46
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Rossi had a challenging weekend after suffering a thumb injury during Friday practice. Despite the injury, which was later diagnosed as a crack in a bone, he was cleared to race.
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Despite the pain, Rossi started from pole position on Saturday and dominated the race, securing his 7th win of the season.
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His victory extended his lead in the World Championship to 87 points, over his absent teammate Tohru Ukawa
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Max Biaggi (Marlboro Yamaha) finished second
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Alex Barros (West Honda Pons): After a poor start, Barros fought through the field to secure third place, marking his second podium finish in consecutive races
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Olivier Jacque took 5th place, his best finish of the season, after battling past Sete Gibernau and Daijiro Kato
Notes:
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Rossi capped his 100th Grand Prix perfectly, by taking victory number 46
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Barros first 500cc rider across the line
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Hofmann replaces Capirossi on 500cc Honda, having replaced McCoy on a Yamaha at the previous two races
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McCoy returns after a four race absence
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Non-starts from: Ukawa due to injuries suffered in a crash during the first practice session, and Riba who fractured his left tibia in a crash during Saturday practice