Valentino Rossi’s race win at the Dutch TT was his first since Malaysia in 2010. Image: MotoGP.com.

Yamaha Factory Racing’s Valentino Rossi returned to the winner’s circle at the Assen TT, scoring a crowd-favourite win in a weekend that was characterised by action on and off the track.

Monster Tech3 Yamaha man Cal Crutchlow started the race from pole but would be bundled back in a sluggish start that saw Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa surge from the second row to take the lead.

LCR MotoGP Honda’s Stefan Bradl was competitive early, running second in the early stages before Marc Marquez moved forward to make it a factory Honda 1-2 on the track.

Rossi made good ground early on, moving into third and bringing Crutchlow with him as Bradl began to slip backwards.

In a remarkable fifth place was Jorge Lorenzo, who was battling the immense pain of a broken collarbone which had been operated on less than a day prior.

Rossi, meanwhile, was intent on delivering a win and within two laps had rounded up both factory Honda machines to take the lead to the delight of thousands of devout fans.

As the race progressed Marquez would move by his teammate for second, with Crutchlow capitalising on Pedrosa’s fading pace in the closing stages to climb to third on track.

Lorenzo held on for a distant fifth but far exceeded his original goals. It wrapped up a dramatic yet ultimately successful weekend for Yamaha and the defending world champion who salvaged a solid haul of points from a potential non-start.

Rossi’s win was his first since the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2010, and marked a milestone 80th win in MotoGP.

“This is one of the best victories in my career because it is one of the most wanted and expected for such a lot of time,” said Rossi. “I’m so happy because I won a real race where all my opponents were very strong and very fast, apart from Jorge with his injury.

“It was great from the beginning, I had a good feeling, I could overtake on braking and I felt good on the bike. It was difficult but the finish line was calling me so I had to arrive as fast as possible.”

Rossi was quick to recognise the herculean efforts of his teammate who defied the odds to finish in the top five.

“Jorge rode an incredible race,” he added. “We have to say a special great congratulations because he had great courage to do this and also he made an important step for his championship.”

Marquez’ solid ride to runner-up was his second finish on the middle step of the podium. The rookie rider admitted that Rossi “was simply faster than us today” but was satisfied to collect 20 points.

“Overall the pace was faster than I had expected,” said Marquez. “At the start and throughout the race both Dani and Valentino were very strong.

“Once I was ahead of Dani, I tried to catch Valentino, but my arm began to affect me and I couldn’t brake in my normal way, due to my injured finger.

“In general, we can say we’ve done a good job all weekend. I would also like to congratulate Valentino, as it’s always good for motorcycle racing when he is up at the front.”

Polesitter Crutchlow re-gained lost ground to finish third and make his third appearance on the podium in four races.

“It was a difficult race again, but we are still in the same position: too little, too late,” said Crutchlow.

“I felt we had the potential to challenge Valentino (Rossi, winner) at the front today but I started too slow again and the first five laps I was wide in all the corners, but I’m very happy.

“We’ve had three podiums this early on in the season, it’s good for the championship and we are making good steps this year.”

Beyond the top five it was Bradl, Alvaro Bautista, Aleix Espargaro, Bradley Smith and Nicky Hayden filling places six through 10.

Australian Bryan Staring was unlucky to finish the race in 21st after engaging in a fierce five-rider battle for position 18.

The Moto2 class race saw an entertaining battle play out between Pol Espargaro and Scott Redding, the Spaniard getting the better of the Brit by just 0.117 seconds at the wave of the chequered flag.

Dominique Aegerter edged out Mika Kallio for the final spot on the rostrum, with Esteve Rabat a close fifth.

Johann Zarco was sixth, followed by Xavier Simeon, Thom Luthi and Jordi Torres, while Australia’s Ant West continued his strong run in the Netherlands to record a 10th place finish.

Luis Salom recorded his third Moto3 race win in a row, holding out Maverick Vinales in a similar thrilling margin to the Moto2 battle.

Alex Rins was third, with Miguel Oliveira fourth and Alex Marquez fifth.

Jack Miller delivered another consistent finish in the top 10, finishing seventh, while Arthur Sissis enjoyed a stronger run than previous grands prix with eighth.

All three races were run in cool but dry conditions, a direct contrast to earlier wet weather that played havoc on the opening day.

2013 MotoGP World Championship 

Round Seven – Assen TT, Netherlands

MotoGP Race Top 10:

1. Valentino Rossi
2. Marc Marquez
3. Cal Crutchlow
4. Dani Pedrosa
5. Jorge Lorenzo
6. Stefan Bradl
7. Alvaro Bautista
8. Aleix Espargaro
9. Bradley Smith
10. Andrea Dovizioso

Moto2 Race Top 10:
1. Pol Espargaro
2. Scott Redding
3. Dominique Aegerter
4. Mika Kallio
5. Esteve Rabat
6. Johann Zarco
7. Xavier Simeon
8. Thomas Luthi
9. Jordi Torres
10. Anthony West

Moto3 Race Top 10:
1. Luis Salom
2. Maverick Vinales
3. Alex Rins
4. Miguel Oliveira
5. Alex Marquez
6. Jonas Folger
7. Jack Miller
8. Arthur Sissis
9. Alexis Masbou
10. Niklas Ajo

Click here for detailed results