french grand prix

And superstitious '12+1' world champion Nieto - six times ruler of the 50cc class in addition to seven 125cc titles - played a central part in Rossi's post-race celebrations.

Both Marco Melandri and Ducati Marlboro team-mate Casey Stoner chose to pit for their wet weather bikes, after suffering mechanical problems with their number one machines.

1. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 32.647 secs 2. Colin Edwards USA Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 1min 32.774 secs 3. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 32.994 secs

The French Grand Prix will be held at Magny-Cours for the final time this year - and likely not at all in 2009 - Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed, with a push for the race to be moved to Paris for 2010.