Biaggi started from the second row of the grid after two tumbles during practice and immediately joined Checa and Rossi out front. The Italian, recovering from a fever that laid him low last week, stayed a close third until Checa's exit.

"Carlos tried very hard, he was pushing very hard," said YZR-M1 project leader Ichiro Yoda. "That's why he crashed, because he wanted to win. I like his motivation, I really appreciate what he was doing out there today. Next time. Many riders crash at the left-hand corners here, because there aren't so many, the left side of Carlos' front tyre looked new after his race. Max also rode a good race. His last two GPs haven't been so easy but he seemed more confident here, and I think we improved the handling of his machine for this track. We've also had positive feedback on the new crankshaft. Now we go to Germany and we'll keep working hard to keep improving."

Today's crowd figure of 60,000 was three times that of Donington '99, proving that MotoGP is rapidly gaining popularity in Britain after a period of low interest in the late nineties.

Max Biaggi scored his first podium finish in three races at Donington to move into third place in the 2002 MotoGP World Championship. This was yet another display of great determination from the four-time 250 World Champion who had suffered from a 39-degree fever last week. Fifth in qualifying, Biaggi made a superb getaway, slotting into third at turn one and staying third until race leader Carlos Checa fell. He ended the race just 2.371 seconds down on winner Valentino Rossi.
"I'm pretty satisfied because I tried 100 per cent, as usual," said the Marlboro Yamaha Team star. "I got a pretty good start from the second row, kept the door closed for the first few laps and then worked at staying concentrated because the pace was very fast. I could stay with Carlos and Rossi, although my bike was lacking a little agility through the fast section. All things considered, it wasn't so bad because I'd been sick for a week before I came here. I've been on antibiotics, which always leave you a little low on energy."

Carlos Checa gave it his all in his 100th premier-class race at Donington today, running a stunning pace in his quest for the YZR-M1's first MotoGP win. But the Marlboro Yamaha Team rider was cruelly robbed of his victory chance when he lost the front at Goddards, a treacherous off-camber hairpin that had already caught out race rivals Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi during practice. Checa had been riding a brilliant race, leading from the green light all the way to the end of the 18th lap, when he slid off without injury. He bravely restarted but his bike was too badly damaged to allow him to continue.

"I was feeling very comfortable, no problem, the bike was going well and getting better as the fuel load went down," said the bitterly disappointed Spaniard. "I didn't feel like I was on the limit. We'd chosen the softest front available and it was sliding a little through the lefts. I was very concentrated, I wasn't thinking about winning, just about being smooth and consistent. Unfortunately I held on to the front brake a little more than usual at that corner and that's when I lost it."

World Championship leader Valentino Rossi scored his 46th victory at Donington today, an important success for the Italian who was contesting his 100th GP and always runs number 46. After his win, the three-time World Champion paid tribute to Carlos Checa's speed. "The pace was incredible, after a few laps I looked behind me and only Biaggi was there," he said.

"Checa was very, very fast and pushing very hard. I was a little faster through the fast part, a little slower through the slow part, so I don't know what would've happened at the end if he hadn't crashed."

Red Bull Report

Red Bull Yamaha Riders, Garry McCoy and John Hopkins both had solid performances at Donington Park today, finishing in the points and moving the Red Bull Team one place further forward into 6th position in the Team World Title chase. In front of a 60,000 strong crowd, McCoy ended his run of bad luck at Donington and finished in 12th place moving up 6 places from his grid position. McCoy seems fit and strong and eagerly wants to get to Germany to get some more time on the bike.

Hopkins, who is vying for the Rookie of the Year Title against Kato and Riba had another stunning race today, after putting in a very frustrating opening lap. Hopper had a great start but the first lap cost him 4 places and he had a determined and focussed race to finish in 8th place. "Hoppers" result today confirms his position as 10th on the World Championship table and sees him leap ahead of his fellow American and former 2000 World Champion, Kenny Roberts, whilst being only one point behind former 250 Champion, Olivier Jacque.

John Hopkins - 8th place - scoring 8 points today
World Championship Classification - 10th with 41 points

"I got off the line really well but then during the first few corners I made some mistakes and lost some places. I clawed my way back up through the pack and diced it up with Kato, Gibernau, Jacque and Roberts. All in all I'm happy with my result and I'm in the points again but I'm disappointed that I couldn't have got a better result considering the great tyres we had. The Dunlops were excellent, really great.

I was so focused during the race I didn't even know it was the last lap, I was so surprised to see the chequered flag and I'm glad that I passed Aoki when I did. I found during the race I was strongest going into the brakes in the chicane, this is where I ended up passing Aoki on the last lap.

I was with my family at lunch today just before the race and its great having their support this weekend. Some of them have never been to a motorcycle race before so I hope they have really enjoyed themselves. I've got a Top 8 result so I think they should be happy with that."

Garry McCoy - 12th place - scoring 4 points today
World Championship Classification - 20th with 11 points

"It feels good to finish a race and to be mixing it up with a few guys during the race. That's certainly much better than riding alone. In the end of the race it got a bit slippery and I just concentrated on finishing the race. My leg and ankle feel fine and I have to take it a little bit at a time and have a better go at Germany."

Colin Davies (Race Engineer - John Hopkins)
"I'm pleased with the result today to again finish in the Top 8 but the result could have been a lot better if John would of had a better first lap. I know John can run with those who finished further up the field but still I am very pleased with the result in this his eighth Grand Prix."

Christophe Bourguignon (Race Engineer -Garry McCoy)
"Its good to have Garry back and everyone appreciates seeing him back and sliding again. Itıs a good step forward for us today and Garry was doing decent lap times from Lap one all the way to the last lap."

Peter Clifford - Team Manager
"It's the first time that John has really raced against World Champions and its great to see he has no problems with running their pace and dicing with them. Certainly the first lap was frustrating for him but thatıs just a lack of experience. Garry started to slide the bike around like we know he can and I'm sure we'll see more of the old Gaz at Sachsenring."