A Grand Prix race in Rio rich in surprises returns two World Championship stars to the spotlight and resume a battle for the title the rest of the season.
In the 500 Class, a Max Biaggi in fine form took advantage of spills by both rivals Sete Gibernau and Valentino Rossi and claimed the second step of the winners' platform, rising higher in the rankings to just 13 points below the frontrunner.
After leading the way for most of the day, the Roman racer could only watch as he was passed by team-mate Tamada equipped with higher performance Bridgestone tires on the way to the first victory in his career (the first victory for Bridgestone as well).
In the 250 Class, a born-again Manuel Poggiali prevailed over a staunch Daniel Pedrosa to pick up precious points in the standings and boost his morale for the second part of the World Championship racing season.
The San Marino pilot is now at 7th place in the rankings behind Dani Pedrosa, who appears more and more likely to win the title. After a slow start, Fonsi Nieto came in 5th.
Spaniard Berberà won again in the 125 Class, beating Stoner and Dovizioso, with Simoncelli and Pablo Nieto claiming 6th and 7th places respectively.
The World Motorcycle Racing Cup is now bound for Germany and the Sachsenring, and a GP race that promises more thrills for one and all.