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MotoGP leader Nicky Hayden secured his first win of the season in the Dutch GP in dramatic style to further increase his advantage at the top of the table.

The American stole victory at the death in Assen when neck-and-neck with compatriot Colin Edwards, having exchanged the lead already on the final lap.

Both riders left the road as they hit the sharp, final bend but while Edwards was unseated from his Yamaha and eventually finished 13th, Hayden grimly kept control to ride home to triumph.

It was a significant moment that could too prove a telling one as Hayden's win was also Honda's 200th in MotoGP history, while it increased his own overall lead as well from 20 points to 42.

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Hayden later commented: "It was a wild one today and I definitely enjoyed it - it's just a really good day for me.

"I'm proud to win for Repsol Honda and really proud to score Honda's 200th win in the top class of Grand Prix too."

Less than five seconds behind him was Kawasaki rider Shinya Nakano with his best ever finish, while Dani Pedrosa took the third podium finish ahead of Casey Stoner and with it came second place in the overall standings.

Valentino Rossi, who had won the previous two Dutch GPs, was forced to be content with eighth this time around, having struggled through the race due to wrist, ankle and chest injuries inflicted by a fall from his bike a few days before.

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