Stoner rode a lights to flag victory ahead of a fast and charging Valentino Rossi who started the race from 12th position on the grid.

Casey Stoner gradually began to pull away as Hayden's tyres appeared to wear out slightly.

Rossi quickly disposed of a number of riders in the first few laps, but lost vital time while attempting to overtake his teammate Jorge Lorenzo and former SBK champion James Toseland.

After losing the front end going in MG Corner just after Lukey Heights, Rossi lost yet more time.

Rossi pulled a textbook move going into turn 1 on the last lap, Hayden lost ground from here and could not get close enough to attempt to retake second place.