From fifth on the grid Pedrosa returned to his best form to blast through the pack and eventually take victory by 0.410s from Lorenzo in front of more than 138,000 fans. For Lorenzo it was his third successive podium result and he also produced a great ride, having started in sixth on the grid.
Rossi got his seventh rostrum result of 2014 in his 245th premier class race as he equaled the all time appearance record in the top class, pulling level with Alex Barros on that front.
With Marquez finishing fourth it is the first time this year that he did not win the race and this is the first time he has finished a MotoGP™ race off the podium. Marquez is of course still in a commanding position in the standings with a 77 point lead.
Marquez lost out in a midrace battle for third with Rossi, having earlier had a close fight with Andrea Iannone (Pramac Racing) in the opening laps – with the two former Moto2™ rivals clashing on two occasions.
Iannone would later get the better of Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) for fifth in the final stages.
The top ten was completed by Stefan Bradl (LCR Honda MotoGP), Aleix Espargaro (NGM Forward Racing), Bradley Smith (Monster Yamaha Tech3) and Alvaro Bautista (GO&FUN Honda Gresini).
Full Results:
http://www.motogp.com/en/Results+Statistics/2014/CZE/MotoGP/RAC/Classification
Winner Quotes:
Dani Pedrosa:
I didn’t plan the race that way. Jorge was really strong at the start so I had to push to the limit. I kept my rhythm to the end. I struggled with rear grip towards the end but I could manage the gap and win this race, which makes me feel so special because the races have been tough until now. I’m really happy to see my team so happy too.
Jorge Lorenzo:
Like Valentino said, we beat Marc, but it wasn’t me it was Dani this time! Today was a great chance for the victory because I felt very well and pushed hard on the opening laps. The only problem was that after two laps I felt different, and Dani caught me and passed me. I needed to be more aggressive and push more. Maybe with one more lap I could’ve fought for the win.
Valentino Rossi:
I’m very happy with this result because it was a very difficult weekend. Yesterday I crashed and had that injury with the finger, and this morning I was also quite bad with the setting of the bike – it was painful to ride. But this afternoon I was able to do something! I had a good pace and it’s another podium, and it was a great pleasure to beat Marc one time!
Source: motogp.com
Source Quotes: redbull.com