March 9th, 2008 by R.J.

Defending MotoGP champion Casey Stoner (42.36.587) won the opening race of the 2008 season handily. Stoner finished the race 5 seconds faster than his nearest competitor, Jorge Lorenzo (42.41.910). Rounding out the podium was Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa (42.47.187).

I expected Stoner to do well based on last years performance, but was surprised how well Pedrosa did especially because his teammate Nicky Hayden (who I expected to do very well) placed 10th.

Here are the results:

01 - Casey Stoner - Ducati Marlboro Team - 42.36.587
02 - Jorge Lorenzo - Fiat Yamaha - 42.41.910
03 - Dani Pedrosa - Repsol Honda - 42.47.187
04 - Andrea Dovizioso - JIR Honda Scot - 42.49.875
05 - Valentino Rossi - Fiat Yamaha - 42.49.892
06 - James Toseland - Yamaha Tech3 - 42.50.627
07 - Colin Edwards - Yamaha Tech3 - 42.51.737
08 - Loris Capirossi - Rizla Suzuki MotoGP - 43.09.092
09 - Randy De Puniet - Honda LCR - 43.09.590
10 - Nicky Hayden - Repsol Honda - 43.14.941
11 - Marco Melandri - Ducati Marlboro Team - 43.20.871
12 - John Hopkins - Team Kawasaki - 43.26.444
13 - Shinya Nakano - Honda San Carlo - 43.26.458
14 - Toni Elias - Alice Ducati - 43.35.119
15 - Sylvain Guintoli  - Alice Ducati - 43.35.517
16 - Anthony West - Team Kawasaki - 43.42.230
17 - Chris Vermeulen - Rizla Suzuki MotoGP - 43.11.483