Italy's Valentino Rossi led a Honda sweep of the podium places in the 500cc Pacific Grand Prix on Sunday to edge closer to clinching the world championship. Alex Barros of Brazil finished less than three seconds behind Rossi while Italian Loris Capirossi, who started in pole position, placed third at the Twin Ring circuit.
Rossi, who is the clear favourite to become Italy's first 500cc world champion since Franco Uncini in 1982, completed the 25 laps in 46 minutes 32.600 seconds after starting from fourth place on the grid. Reigning world champion Kenny Roberts failed in his bid for a third straight victory at the new Motegi circuit as the American could manage only eighth place nearly half a minute behind Rossi.
Japan's Tetsuya Harada shrugged off influenza to win the 250cc race on an Aprilia, while Derbi rider Yoichi Ui, also of Japan, won the 125cc class.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
