Rossi closes in on leader Hayden

12 April 2012

Valentino Rossi cut Nicky Hayden's lead in the MotoGP Championship by nine points after finishing second in the Japanese round at Motegi.

The defending champion trails his rival by 12 points with two races remaining after taking second in Japan behind fellow countryman Loris Capirossi as Italians filled the first three positions.

Capirossi took the race on the Ducati Marlboro machine from Rossi's Camel Yamaha and the Fortuna Honda of Marco Melandri.

Spaniard Sete Gibernau took fourth on the second Ducati ahead of American Hayden on the Repsol Honda.

Rossi admitted he could not cope with Capirossi's pace but was delighted to cut Hayden's advantage.

"These 20 points are so important for the championship," said Rossi. "It's more important for me at this track because it's not my favourite track.

"I couldn't catch Loris but 20 points is very important for the championship."

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