Moto Gp: Stoner wins in Netherlands

ASSEN: Honda rider Casey Stoner won the Dutch Moto GP after a terrific battle with Spain’s Dani Pedrosa. Stoner started on pole but soon found himself behind Pedrosa before retaking the lead with nine laps remaining and surging clear to win by a comfortable margin. Italy’s Andrea Dovizioso finished third ahead of Ben Spies. However the race was overshadowed by an early crash involving Alvaro Bautista and Jorge Lorenzo that forced the world championship leader out of the race denying him the chance of a fourth successive victory. Stoner’s win takes him level with Lorenzo atop the overall standings.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 1^st, 2012.