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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 6:17 a.m., Sunday, May 4, 2008

Autos: Valentino Rossi snaps Moto GP winless streak in China

Associated Press

SHANGHAI, China — Valentino Rossi snapped his longest spell without a Moto GP win since his debut season by winning the Chinese Grand Prix today.

The five-time world champion drew away in the final laps on his Fiat Yamaha to finally shake off the challenge of Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa, who was second ahead of reigning world champion Casey Stoner of Ducati Marlboro.

It was Rossi's first win since Portugal last season. The seven-race drought was the longest spell without a win for the Italian since his first eight winless races in 2000 — his first season in 500cc, the forerunner to Moto GP.

Finland's Mika Kallio extended his lead in the 250cc world championship by winning his race ahead of KTM teammate Hiroshi Aoyama.

Italy's Andrea Iannone won the 125cc race aboard an IC Aprilia. Simone Corsi of WRB Aprilia was out after six laps but still leads the championship standings.