Rossi extends MotoGP lead with Mugello win

MUGELLO, Italy -- Valentino Rossi produced a dominant performance to win the Italian MotoGP at Mugello and extend his lead in the world championship standings.

Seven-time champion Rossi had over two seconds to spare over reigning champion Casey Stoner with Dani Pedrosa of Spain in third place.

Yamaha ace Rossi was winning for the ninth time in 13 rides at Mugello, extending his unbeaten record on the track since 2001.

He was never seriously troubled after taking the lead early in Sunday's 23-lap to record a hat-trick of victories this season and his 65th career win.

"This is a great feeling like always, this is my home grand prix, I have a lot of fans, all my family and close friends come to see me," said Rossi.

"This track is fantastic, it's one of my favorites. At one part of the race I was a bit faster than Casey and Dani and I took advantage."

He now leads Honda's Pedrosa by 12 points in the championships standings with Jorge Lorenzo of Spain a further 14 points adrift.

Rossi's Yamaha teammate Lorenzo came off in Sunday's race and did not score any points -- while Stoner is 45 points behind and struggling to retain his world title.