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Capirossi wins after Rossi crashes
 Capirossi set a lap record during the qualifying session JEREZ, Spain, -- Italy's Loris Capirossi held off a determined challenge from debutant Dani Pedrosa to claim a flag-to-flag victory on his Ducati in the season-opening Spanish MotoGP race in Jerez. World champion Valentino Rossi, bidding for a sixth consecutive win in the premier class, finished way back in 14th place. He was knocked off his Yamaha on the opening corner by Spain's Toni Elias. It was the first time in six seasons that the 27-year-old Italian had not won the opening race of the championship. Capirossi, who started the race on pole position after setting a lap record in Saturday's qualifying, led into the first bend and rode a near-perfect race as he held off 20-year-old Pedrosa for a perfect start to the season. "We have the perfect bike and the perfect tire for the job," said Capirossi, who won back-to-back races in Japan and Malaysia last season. "I hope this is the start of many more victories." It was an astonishing performance by second-placed Pedrosa, who won three consecutive world titles in the 125cc and 250cc categories. He became the first MotoGP debutant to claim a podium race since Max Biaggi and Noriyuki Haga at Suzuka in 1998. "The truth is I'm very happy, I didn't expect anything like this result," said Pedrosa. "There are still 16 races to go and I think we will get better." Pedrosa's Honda team mate Nicky Hayden of the United States crossed the line in third and Elias was fourth. 
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