Italy's Valentino Rossi, from left, Australia's Casey Stoner and USA's Nicky Hayden celebrate with their champagne on the winner's podium at the end

Stoner wins in Australia as champ Rossi battles to second

Local hero Casey Stoner overcame a broken wrist to win yesterday's MotoGP race at Phillip Island, while newly-crowned champion Valentino Rossi put in a stunning comeback drive to secure second place.

Stoner was in dominant form in his home race and it was Rossi who was on the back foot, the Italian recovering from a big qualifying accident that left him starting from twelfth position. He battled his way up the grid, however, and passed American Nicky Hayden on the last lap to secure the runners-up slot, with Hayden rounding out the podium finishers.

"We knew that the race was going to be hard, as normally you can't get away [well from pole] here, but we did," said Stoner. "[Hayden] was with me for a while but then he seemed to drop off. To be world champion last year and in running for second this year is great. If we can challenge for the title again next year it will be fantastic, and if not for now the home victory is something that we can be happy with." See More.

Inspirational Rossi has the look of a true champion

After crossing the finishing line in Japan last weekend I came across Valentino Rossi just sitting at his bike, taking in the applause of the crowd while the rest of the MotoGP pack went past him on the parade lap. I pulled up beside him and asked him a simple question: "Did you win?"

He gave me a look that was one of elation, satisfaction and relief - I knew then that this most incredible of riders had won the race and, in doing so, his fifth MotoGP world title and eighth overall.

I wanted to congratulate him properly but it's difficult to have a decent conversation when you've both got helmets on. Instead there was a handshake and a pat on the back - his achievement is phenomenal and I've got a hell of a lot of admiration for the guy.

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