Stoner wins USA motorcycle Grand Prix

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2007

LAGUNA SECA, United States (AFP) — Australia's Casey Stoner, on a Ducati, won the USA MotoGP in dominant style here on Sunday to extend his World Championship lead.

Stoner won the 115.52km race in 44min 20.325sec, finishing 9.865sec in front of compatriot Chris Vermeulen on a Suzuki.

Marco Melandri, on a Honda, was third, 25.641sec behind the winner, shrugging off the after effects of a frightening crash in Saturday's qualifying.

"I felt really comfortable sitting on the grid," said Stoner, who became the first rider this year to win from pole position. "I felt good about the tires and bike. I just had to go and do the job."

All but seven of Stoner's laps were inside the lap record set by Pedrosa last year on a 990cc Honda.

This despite the...