The 250cc race was similarly dramatic, with Mattia Pasini edging out Marco Simoncelli for victory.

BBC: Smith wins to lead championship

Blusens Aprilia rider Laverty finished over 47 seconds behind home winner Marco Simoncelli.

BBC: Laverty 13th in Italian 250cc GP

Elias and Alex de Angelis will be replaced by Marco Simoncelli and his fellow Italian Marco Melandri, who returns to the team he raced for from 2005-07.

CNN: Rossi races to MotoGP pole despite Brno fall

The 27-year-old Australian said the death of Italian star Marco Simoncelli at the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2011 had also been a major factor in his decision.

CNN: Disgruntled motorcycling star Stoner switches to cars

Italian Marco Simoncelli won in the 250cc race, with Hiroshi Aoyama finishing fourth to extend his championship lead to 26 points after Alvaro Bautista crashed out early on.

BBC: Lorenzo wins to reduce Rossi lead

Aoyama's task is complicated - the Japanese rider needs to win the race and hope Alvaro Bautista finishes no higher than 15th, Marco Simoncelli no higher than 14th and Hector Barbera third or lower.

BBC: Matt Roberts' MotoGP column

Gilera's Marco Simoncelli will start from third.

CNN: Lorenzo claims MotoGP pole in Spain