This week’s race was a bona-fide nail biter. Casey Stoner took an early lead and managed to keep it the entire race, repeating his performance in the season opener and taking first place for the second time this season. Tony Elias kept up the pressure and finished second, and it was a knock-down, drag out fight for third. Alex Barros, Louis Capirossi, and Marco Melandri were all very close to each other, but it was Capirossi who eked out a third place finish.

An early crash left 3 riders out of the race: Dani Pedrosa, Colin Edwards, and Oliver Jacque were unable to recover, but Chris Vermeulen picked up his bike and was able to finish the race.

Valentino Rossi started well but had tire problems later in the race, partially do to a run off the track early on, reducing his finish to a disappointing 10th. Reigning world champ Nicky Hayden continues to struggle, placing 7th.