Stoner continues top form with Dutch win

(CNN) -- Australian world champion Casey Stoner continued his excellent form on Saturday to win the Dutch MotoGP at Assen ahead of Spaniard Dani Pedrosa and American Colin Edwards.

The victory was the second in a row for the 22-year-old Ducati rider, after an imperious showing last weekend in the British GP at Donington.

"I was a bit nervous and tentative at the start but soon settled down. It's a pleasure to ride this bike and it's been really enjoyable," said Stoner, who clocked up his 20th career win.

The consecutive victories mean Stoner has bounced back into championship contention after a dismal first half of the season, which has seen him go six races without a win.

The Australian, on pole position, was never troubled after he made an electrifying breakaway on his Ducati, finishing over 11 seconds ahead of a field lead by Pedrosa, Edwards and 2006 world champion Nicky Hayden.

Stoner made up more points than was expected on championship leader Valentino Rossi, who crashed in the opening lap, but returned to finish the race in 11th place.

"I had no clue what happened, I noticed later on he (Rossi) was down the field and that there was some grass on the track which suggested there had been some sort of accident," said Stoner.

Pedrosa's second-placing and Rossi's bad luck now means the Spaniard assumes the lead in the championship standings on 171 points.

After nine of 18 races, Rossi dropped to second in the standings with 167 points, four behind Pedrosa. Stoner is third with 142.

"I'm very happy, though a little disappointed to be so far behind Casey. I couldn't even see him down the straight I was that far behind. Still it's good to be back on top of the championship," said Pedrosa.

Edwards, who started in the second row on his Yamaha, was on excellent form to claim third spot and his second podium of the championship.

"I had to almost stop when Rossi crashed, but somehow I have got on the podium," said the American.