KEY POINTS:
SYDNEY - Five-time 500cc motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan labelled Valentino Rossi as good as any rider in history following the Italian's record-breaking triumph at the Indianapolis MotoGP today.
Rossi sped within a solitary point of an eighth world title which is a formality after the rain-shortened race in Indiana where he surpassed compatriot Giacomo Agostini's record of 68 victories in the top category.
"People sometimes ask who is the greatest rider of all time? It's hard to say because every era is different," said Doohan, who sits third on the alltime list with 54.
"That said, Valentino is probably as good as there has ever been, if not the best.
"I'm sure he will win many more races, if he stays fit, and I'm looking forward to seeing him go head-to-head with Casey Stoner and the others at Phillip Island in a few weeks."
Rossi was declared the winner after 20 laps when the race, the first at the legendary Brickyard since 1909, was red-flagged as heavy rain and gale force winds, a legacy of Hurricane Ike, swept the circuit.
Rossi's 69th victory in the top category handed him an 87-point lead from defending champion Stoner - who placed fourth - and, with four races remaining, he can clinch the 2008 championship just by picking up a single point at Motegi in Japan in a fortnight's time.
Rossi was pleased to grab two slices of motorcycling history.
"To win the first race here at Indianapolis is a great emotion and to beat Agostini's record is also incredible, now I hope my record will stand for 30 years like his," said Rossi.
"These were the worst conditions of my career.
"When the wind and rain came it became very hard.
"I think I could have kept going for another eight laps, but there were things flying through the air - beer cans, plastic glasses - so really I think it was the right decision to stop the race.
"Sincerely I don't think I've ever ridden in conditions like these and I was lucky because I was far in front and didn't have to take any big risks."
Doohan said that Rossi's winning strike rate was impressive.
"To win as many races as he has in less than nine seasons shows how consistent he has been, and that's his strength, as well as his ability," he said.
"He's always ready to race, regardless of the circumstances.
"You can see that by the race at Indianapolis.
"The weather was terrible, and since Valentino is leading the championship he could have just cruised around and got some points.
"Instead, he was the guy pushing it harder than the others. He just rode away from them and that's why he has achieved so much.
"I was racing 500s when Valentino arrived on the grand prix scene in '96 in the 125s.
"He's always been serious about his racing, but he's also been someone who enjoys himself off the track and that's why he's so popular with so many fans around the world."
- AAP
