Local hero and former champion Casey Stoner (Ducati) lead from start until the finish to take the victory today at the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island. Starting from pole, the Australian never look back and finished more than 6.5 seconds to spare.

Although he was a bit pressured by Nicky Hayden (Honda) in the first laps, Stoner probably confirms his vice champion title as Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa felled at Turn 2 in the first lap.

Current champion Valentino Rossi (Yamaha), who was starting 12th after crashing during qualifications yesterday, made a tremendous comeback and battled his way to second place in front of Nicky Hayden who couldn't resist the pace of the Italian.

Rossi's teammate Jorge Lorenzo finished fourth while Shinya Nakano (Honda) completed the top 5 finishers.

Race Results:

Pos Rider Bike Time
1. Casey Stoner Ducati (B) 40:56.643
2. Valentino Rossi Yamaha (B) + 6.504
3. Nicky Hayden Honda (M) + 7.205
4. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha (M) + 11.500
5. Shinya Nakano Honda (B) + 11.914
6. James Toseland Yamaha (M) + 12.243
7. Andrea Dovizioso Honda (M) + 12.780
8. Colin Edwards Yamaha (M) + 25.920
9. Randy de Puniet Honda (M) + 26.037
10. Loris Capirossi Suzuki (B) + 26.799
11. Toni Elias Ducati (B) + 27.027
12. Anthony West Kawasaki (B) + 47.808
13. John Hopkins Kawasaki (B) + 48.333
14. Sylvain Guintoli Ducati (B) + 48.899
15. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki (B) + 48.935
16. Marco Melandri Ducati (B) +1:11.767

Retirements:

Rider Bike Laps
Dani Pedrosa Honda (B) 0
Alex de Angelis Honda (B) 0