Moto GP's Italian Sensation, Valentino Rossi, wins 2006 German Grand Prix

Moto GP saw defending world champion, Valentino Rossi, win a fantastic 2006 German Grand Prix war at the final turn.

The Italian held off the challenges of fellow countryman Marco Melandri, American Nicky Hayden and Spaniard Dani Pedrosa to take the win in front of 93,748 spectators at the Sachsenring.

Rossi had started the race in 10th on the Camel Yamaha but cut his way through the field to take the lead on the 13th of 30 laps and was able to keep Melandri's Fortuna Honda and the Repsol Honda bikes of Hayden and Pedrosa behind him.

Melandri grabbed the lead with three laps to go but Rossi was back in front later in the same lap and held his advantage to the checkered flag for his fourth race win of the season.

Rossi admitted he was surprised to win after struggling with the set-up on his Yamaha M1 during practice and qualifying.

''This result is quite unbelievable for me and for my team. During the practice I was always behind and struggling with the bike. A very big thank you to my team, we changed a lot of things (on the bike) this morning and this afternoon. We did a great job with Michelin, they helped us a lot,'' Valentino Rossi said.

''Escape (from his pursuers) was impossible and I had another great battle with Marco on the last lap,'' he adds.

Nicky Hayden still leads the championship standings with 169 points, ahead of Valentino Rossi on 143, Dani Pedrosa on 140 and Marco Melandri on 134.

Next for Moto GP is the 2006 U.S. Grand Prix. Can Valentino Rossi win the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix? Visit Bodog for more betting odds today.