Di Meglio extends World Championship lead with Sachsenring victory

Mike di Meglio took his third victory of the 2008 season in the 125cc Alice Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland. The Frenchman controlled the latter stages of the race after taking the lead on lap seventeen, crossing the line with a two second advantage over his nearest rival and maintaining the lead in the World Championship classification. A 30-point cushion in the title chase means that it will be a relaxing summer for the Ajo Motorsport rider.

Sachsenring runner-up Stefan Bradl gave German fans their first home 125cc podium in ten years with an assured display from third on the grid, battling to a best ever Grand Prix finish onboard the Grizzly Gas Kiefer Aprilia RSA. The teenager had taken the holeshot and had his turn at leading the race, and held off the challenge of World Champion Gabor Talmacsi in the fight for second place.

Talmacsi had been gunning for his second consecutive victory after taking pole position for the German showdown, but gave his fellow riders a head start when he experienced a mechanical problem taking off from the top spot on the grid. The Bancaja Aspar rider had to work hard to bring himself back into contention, and was rewarded for his efforts with a fifth podium of the year.

Bradley Smith once again led a race before missing out on the podium spots, finishing fourth after heading the field at the midway point. The Britain was unable to hold on after making a break, caught by the eventual rostrum finishers courtesy of some of the fastest laps of the race. He led Talmacsi on the final lap, but was unable to stave off the challenge of the reigning World Champion on the final corner.

Front row starter Simone Corsi came home in fifth, ahead of Emmi-Caffe Latte´s home rider Sandro Cortese and his Jack&Jones WRB teammate Nico Terol. Scott Redding, Esteve Rabat and Marc Marquez completed the top ten.