Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC213V) earned a dramatic third consecutive victory in the German Grand Prix after team-mate Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda RC213V) fell while chasing Pedrosa two laps from the end of the race, which was enjoyed by a crowd of over 81,000 at the Sachsenring in the former East Germany.

Stoner had led from the pole with Pedrosa, who had won here in 2010 and 2011, in his shadow from the start. The pair made short work of the rest of the field, easing away to turn the eighth round of the MotoGP World Championship into a Repsol Honda family feud.

Pedrosa kept Stoner honest before executing a perfect pass in the first turn right-hander on the 19th of 20 laps. Stoner then assumed the role of pursuer and hounded the Spaniard for the duration. Just as the pair were going through the turn 12 left at the bottom of the hill, Stoner suddenly lost the front end and went sliding into the gravel trap, unhurt. He tried to get his motorcycle re-started, to score as many points as possible, but was disappointed not to be assisted by corner marshals.

With Stoner out, Pedrosa sped to victory by 14.996s over Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo.

The win was not only Pedrosa’s third in a row at the Sachsenring, but his fourth overall in the MotoGP category at the track in the former East Germany. It was also his first win since last October’s Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi. Stoner’s non-points finish was his first in 22 races, since he was taken out of the 2011 Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.

Stoner’s crash had profound championship implications. Lorenzo, who had arrived in Germany tied on points with Stoner, now has sole control, with Pedrosa moving into second, 14 points behind. Stoner sits third after eight of 18 races.

German Stefan Bradl (LCR Honda MotoGP RC213V) was inspired by his home crowd to a career best fifth in his rookie season. The Bavarian was part of the battle for what would become fifth place. Fronting a group that included a pair of former MotoGP World Champions. Under pressure throughout, Bradl was resolute and repelled any and all attacks to secure the best dry track finish by a German MotoGP rider in some time. Bradl was also fifth on a wet track in Le Mans.

Alvaro Bautista (San Carlo Honda Gresini RC213V) finished a creditable seventh after starting from the back row. A week earlier in Assen, Bautista was involved in an incident that resulted in Lorenzo crashing. His penalty was to start from the back of the grip. The Spaniard made his way through the CRT riders by the sixth lap and set out for the prototypes. Closing at faster than half a second a lap, he injected himself into the fight for fifth and passed a rider each of the final three laps.

Michele Pirro (San Carlo Honda Gresini FTR-Honda) failed to finish the race, suffering the same technical problem, which had sidelined him in the season-opener in Qatar.

Marc Marquez (Team Caixa Catalunya Repsol – Suter) expanded his Moto2 championship lead to 43 points with a nearly flag-to-flag victory, his fourth win of the season, in the first race of the day.

The Spaniard jetted away from his sixth pole in eight races to set the early pace. Soon he was joined by Andrea Iannone (Speed Master – Speed Up), who slotted into second with a pass of Mika Kallio (Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex) on the fourth of 29 laps.

Iannone passed Marquez for the lead in the turn 12 left on the eighth lap and held the point until the first turn on lap nine, when Marquez out braked the Italian.

Two laps later Iannone’s victory chances were dashed when he crashed in turn 1. Iannone remounted and finished 18th, and out of the points.

Now it was Marquez and Kallio out front, with company from Alex de Angelis (NGM Mobile Forward Racing), who had switched from the Suter to the FTR chassis for the race in Assen. De Angelis immediately adapted to the British-made chassis, setting a new record fastest lap of 1m, 25.167s on the sixth lap of the race.

De Angelis lost second to Kallio on the 15th lap and was not able to find a way past until lap 27. By then Marquez had disappeared with a trio of fast laps. Marquez increased his lead by nearly a second from laps 24 to 26, ending the lap with a cushion of 1.428s. He would go on to win by 2.093s.

On the final lap de Angelis had one last move, into the final corner, but was outplayed by Kallio who scored his first podium of the year. De Angelis also had his best finish in third.

Fourth went to Pol Espargaro (Pons 40 HP Tuenti – Kalex). The Spaniard had made his race more difficult by qualifying a season worst 17th. He was fighting to the front when he ran off the track, losing more time. And on the final lap he had to withstand a furious attack from Thomas Luthi (Interwetten-Paddock –Suter), who finished fifth.

Marquez finished the day with 152 points to 109 for Espargaro. Luthi is third with 107, three better than Iannone.

Alexis Masbou (Caretta Technology – Honda) earned his first podium in the Moto3 race, and very nearly his first win, in his 103rd grand prix. Instead he came second at .635s to Sandro Cortese (KTM), the German rider who scored a popular home win.

Both Masbou and his team-mate Jack Miller led the race at different points, Miller from laps two through 15, as the wet track was rapidly drying, and Masbou lap 16 and laps 22 and 23. Masbou then lost the lead to Cortese who went on to victory. Masbou was second with Miller missing out on his first podium by .053s, but still finishing a career best fourth. Masbou’s previous best finish this season was fourth at Silverstone, Miller’s previous best was 15th in Catalunya.

Finishing fifth was Efren Vazquez on the JHK Laglisse FTR Honda. Vazquez worked his way up from 13th at the start to take over fifth with two laps to go when Louis Rossi (Racing Team Germany – FTR Honda) crashed.

Maverick Vinales (Blusens Avintia – FTR Honda) lost his championship lead by finishing out of the points. Vinales had a difficult qualifying session and was not able to improve in the race. He finished 17th and now trails Cortese 130 to 148.

MotoGP

Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda: Race winner

“I'm really very happy with this win. We finally made it happen and it's great not only for me, but also for my team that never gave up, for my family and fans that have been pushing and supporting me all this time when we were taking second and third places, but missing out on the victory. The podiums we had this season were very important, but I really wanted to give a victory to my team and it arrived today at a circuit that I always enjoy. It's been a really hard day though. Casey (Stoner) had a superb race also and put a lot of pressure on me at the end, but I knew that I had the pace and that we both would need to fight for the victory until the last turn. I tried to brake hard, close all the doors and to take the win. Finally, it is a great feeling and sure will give us a lot of motivation for the next races. It's also good for the championship, but we will not relax; victory this season has not been easy for any of us, so we have to keep pushing as we do.”

Casey Stoner, Repsol Honda: DNF

“I'm pretty disappointed. I had planned to go for my 'win or bin' effort in the last corner not that one. I was happy on the bike and felt we had a few tenths a lap over Dani (Pedrosa) and confident I could pull him back in. On the final lap I made a mistake going into the first turn and I had to push a little more than I wanted through some of the sections, but I got on to Dani exactly where I wanted and planned to make my overtake in the last corner, if I didn't have an opportunity earlier in the lap. I felt confident, but as soon as I tried to turn in a little more, the front went. I was already off the brakes and not in the hard braking area; as soon as I eased of the brakes I guess the weight came off the front and down I went. I'm frustrated I wasn't allowed to get up and try and score some points, the bike was perfect, but the marshals pushed me away. It's our first crash in a race, down to our own mistake, for the first time in a long time, so I'm disappointed for sure, but we knew we had the pace. If we can continue this momentum for the rest of the season then we shouldn't be so worried for the championship.”

Stefan Bradl, LCR Honda MotoGP: 5th

“It has been a tough race since the beginning because I had to fight to maintain the gap to the group behind me. But I took another good start and this is very positive, after that I was capable to follow the Yamaha riders for a while, but I could feel that our corner speed was not enough and our edge grip in the left side was poor because after three or four laps the bike started to spin already. That caused me some issues, because I was not able to attack them and in the middle of the race I had to let them go. From that moment I had to manage the group behind me till the chequered flag and it was very difficult. So I had to push myself to the maximum to block (Valentino) Rossi, (Nicky) Hayden and (Hector) Barbera in the last three laps. I am very happy about this result because I could relegate them behind me and this fifth place is a fantastic result for me, for my family, for the team and for my local fans.”

Alvaro Bautista, San Carlo Honda Gresini: 7th

“I am happy because to start from last and finish seventh is a good result. It's just a shame that I lost so much time at the start trying to pass the CRTs. I was trying to do it without taking too many risks and then once I got past them I had a lot of sliding from the rear tyre, which made it a long and difficult race. I tried to adapt my riding style and use the throttle in a different way and in the second half of the race I was able to close down the guys in front of me. I actually managed to pass (Valentino) Rossi and (Stefan) Bradl on the penultimate lap, but I lost the front and almost crashed. I wanted to try again on the last lap but as we came into the braking zone at the bottom of the hill I could see the yellow flags so that was that. I had another look in the last corner but couldn't make the pass. Anyway, the result is good and for that I want to thank the team for giving 100% all weekend even though they knew this would be a tough race. ”

Michele Pirro, San Carlo Honda Gresini: DNF

“There is not much I can say after another unlucky race. We didn't need the crash yesterday and today we had the same problem that caused me to retire in Qatar. It's a shame, because we could have had a good race and made life difficult for the top CRT. I am disappointed for me and the team, but we will try to make up for it at Mugello.”

Moto2

Marc Marquez, Team CatalunyaCaixa Repsol-Suter: Race winner

“I knew that I had to start strong, because both (Andrea) Iannone and (Pol) Espargaró were starting from a little further back and I could make a real difference early. However, with the new tyres I couldn't feel comfortable. The feeling improved when the grip dropped, but then I started to have problems with the rear —chattering on the corners stopped me from maintaining the pace that I had in practice. I think that we rode an intelligent race, because when I saw that Iannone was getting closer I was about to drop back in order to save the tyres but instead decided to push. When I saw his crash on the screens I just looked to keep focus. It was very difficult to manage the entire race with such a small advantage, but it worked out well and I was able to open up the gap later on with the tyres worn down.”

Mika Kallio, Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex: 2nd

“I was pretty confident I could fight for the podium before I lined up on the grid today. The bike has worked well in every session, and in all the weather conditions we've had here at Sachsenring. I got away from the line really well and managed to get cleanly through turn one, then it was just a case of settling into the race and finding my rhythm. I was able to match the lap times of Marc Marquez for most of the race, but in the last six laps I lost a little bit of grip and he was able to pull out a gap at the front. The drop off was enough to allow Alex de Angelis to catch and pass me, but there was no way I was going to let him take second place away from me. I reclaimed second with three laps to go and then held on to the chequered flag. I really enjoyed the battle with Marc and Alex (de Angelis), and I think they did too, and I'm obviously happy to be on the podium for the first time this season. I have to say a big thank you to the team, who worked hard to give me such a competitive bike this weekend.”

Alex de Angelis, NGM Mobile Forward Racing – FTR: 3rd

“I have been happy on this bike from the very first lap at Assen and I would like to say thanks to my team for believing in me and changing the bike. The first time I was with this bike was Assen and that’s where I got by best result and now I pushed and pushed during the race and made the record track lap here at Sachsenring. We now know that with this bike in race distance that at the beginning of the race this bike is good and that towards the end we have found some problems that we need to adjust. We haven’t done many kilometers with this bike yet. In Mugello we will be working on this and I am sure we can fight for the rest of the season to be in the top five.”

Moto3

Alexis Masbou, Caretta Technology – Honda: 2nd

“It was incredible, it was incredible to fight for the first place with Sandro (Cortese) on the last lap. But my weekend was very difficult. On the first day we had some problem with the bike and my bike was on fire on the box. It was incredible. After the team do fantastic job to improve the bike every practice and already yesterday I feel really good in qualifying practice and the rain. And when I see the rain arrive on the grid, I say, oh, now we need to stay focused to do a good race, stay focused for 27 laps. And the ten first laps were very difficult because the bike slides a lot and a lot of water on track, and I say, oh, we need to stay on the bike, we need to take points. And after when the track starts to be dry I say, oh, I feel very good, I can push. And I was behind Sandro and right after I passed Sandro I tried to come back on the first loop. But he was very, very fast after the first loop, was very strange for me to pass every rider like this. And after, OK, I try to stay focused, stay in front of the group. It was very good to ride with Sandro because we have a good rhythm to stay in front and to do regular laps. And, OK, at the end was very difficult to follow Sandro. He push a lot and he brake very late. I feel very good on the bike, but he was too tough for me on the three last laps, and, OK, he won his home grand prix. OK, second place for me is good, first podium and now I am focused on the next race already.”

Jack Miller, Caretta Technology – Honda: 4th

“Today was a difficult race, but also a good one. I had many fights and learned a lot, but we still must work on the dry settings. I want to say a big thank you to the team for working so hard on what was a very difficult weekend weather-wise.”

Efren Vazquez, JHK Laglisse – FTR Honda: 5th

“I finished fifth! But in these difficult conditions I had to be very careful. So, starting from so far back, all I could get was a good result. In the dry we could have been a bit more competitive, but in these conditions I had to be calm. We started with the suspension a little harsh if it dried and I went well. Sometimes experience plays an important role in these races and I think I managed to stay calm at first and then slowly tighten up. I want to thank the team for all they have suffered these days and especially today in the race. These days it is rest to be strong in Mugello, where I hope to take another step forward.”

MotoGP World Championship Grand Prix
Round 08: Germany

MotoGP

Rank	Rider (Team)
1	Dani PEDROSA (Repsol Honda Team)
2	Jorge LORENZO (Yamaha Factory Racing)
3	Andrea DOVIZIOSO (Monster Yamaha Tech 3)
4	Ben SPIES (Yamaha Factory Racing)
5	Stefan BRADL (LCR Honda MotoGP)
6	Valentino ROSSI (Ducati Team)
7	Alvaro BAUTISTA (San Carlo Honda Gresini)
8	Cal CRUTCHLOW (Monster Yamaha Tech 3)
9	Hector BARBERA (Pramac Racing Team)
10	Nicky HAYDEN (Ducati Team)
11	Randy DE PUNIET (Power Electronics Aspar)
12	Colin EDWARDS (NGM Mobile Forward Racing)
13	Aleix ESPARGARO (Power Electronics Aspar)
14	Yonny HERNANDEZ (Avintia Blusens)
15	James ELLISON (Paul Bird Motorsport)

Moto2

Rank	Rider (Team)
1	Marc MARQUEZ (Team CatalunyaCaixa Repsol)
2	Mika KALLIO (Marc VDS Racing Team)
3	Alex DE ANGELIS (NGM Mobile Forward Racing)
4	Pol ESPARGARO (Pons 40 HP Tuenti)
5	Thomas LUTHI (Interwetten-Paddock)
6	Simone CORSI (Came IodaRacing Project)
7	Bradley SMITH (Tech 3 Racing)
8	Xavier SIMEON (Tech 3 Racing)
9	Claudio CORTI (Italtrans Racing Team)
10	Dominique AEGERTER (Technomag-CIP)
11	Johann ZARCO (JIR Moto2)
12	Esteve RABAT (Pons 40 HP Tuenti)
13	Ricard CARDUS (Arguinano Racing Team)
14	Nicolas TEROL (Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2)
15	Julian SIMON (Blusens Avintia)

Moto3

Rank	Rider (Team)
1	Sandro CORTESE (Red Bull KTM Ajo)
2	Alexis MASBOU (Caretta Technology)
3	Luis SALOM (RW Racing GP)
4	Jack MILLER (Caretta Technology)
5	Efren VAZQUEZ (JHK Laglisse)
6	Zulfahmi KHAIRUDDIN (AirAsia-Sic-Ajo)
7	Hector FAUBEL (Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3)
8	Luca GRUENWALD (Freudenberg Racing Team)
9	Arthur SISSIS (Red Bull KTM Ajo)
10	Jakub KORNFEIL (Redox-Ongetta-Centro Seta)
11	Toni FINSTERBUSCH (Cresto Guide MZ Racing)
12	Niccolo` ANTONELLI (San Carlo Gresini Moto3)
13	Alan TECHER (Technomag-CIP-TSR)
14	Niklas AJO (TT Motion Events Racing)
15	Simone GROTZKYJ (Ambrogio Next Racing)