Tamada grabs maiden win

Tamada set up a Camel Honda one-two

Japan's Makoto Tamada won the first MotoGP race of his career after title rivals Sete Gibernau and Valentino Rossi suffered early exits in Brazil.

Tamada and team-mate Max Biaggi claimed a one-two for Camel Honda with American Nicky Hayden third for Repsol Honda.

World champion Rossi and Gibernau both fell on the bumpy track of Rio de Janeiro's Nelson Piquet circuit.

It was the first time Gibernau had been off the podium this season, but the pair top the standings with 126 points.

Tamada, who achieved his first podium finish in Rio last year, said: "I think that the tyres, at least in my case, made the difference.

"The bike reacted great, but the fight for the lead with Rossi and Hayden was very good.

"Nicky especially was leading the way very well and was quick throughout, but I think he lost a bit of grip towards the end."

Biaggi's second place moved him to within 13 points of Rossi and Gibernau after seven of 16 races.

"I knew from the board Sete and Rossi were out of the race," he said.

"That didn't change my strategy, but it makes the 20 points I won seem like they are worth double."

Northern Ireland Jeremy McWilliams collected two points in finishing 14th.

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Brazilian MotoGP standings:
1. Makoto Tamada (Jap) Honda 44min 21.976sec
2. Max Biaggi (Ita Honda 44:23.995
3. Nicky Hyden (US) Honda 44:27.740
4. Loris Capirossi (Ita) Ducati 44:33.121
5. Alex Barros (Bra) Honda 44:34.927
6. Colin Edwards (US) Honda 44:35.880
7. Kenny Roberts Jr (US) Suzuki 44:45.469
8. Norick Abe (Jap) Yamaha 44:49.474
9. Shinya Nakano (Jap) Kawasaki 44:49.778
10. Carlos Checa (Spa) Yamaha 44:58.784

Did not finish:
Valentino Rossi (Ita) Yamaha
Sete Gibernau (Spa)