Rossi closes gap on Stoner

Moto GP: Former world champion Valentino Rossi narrowed the gap to overall MotoGP leader Casey Stoner after his Dutch Grand Prix victory on Saturday.

Rossi, who cut Australian Stoner's advantage in the world championship standings by five points to 21, took the lead three laps before the end after moving up from 11th place.

In dry but windy conditions, Rossi finished in 42 minutes, 37.149 seconds ahead of Stoner and Honda's American rider Nicky Hayden, who snatched his first podium position this season.

Australia's Chris Vermeulen, who started from pole position for the third time in his career, finished 16th after a crash with France's Randy de Puniet with 15 laps to go.

None of the MotoGP races this year have been won from pole.