'Sorry' Rossi joins Hailwood on all-time podium.

Valentino Rossi marked his 150th Grand Prix appearance, in Sunday's German Grand Prix at Sachsenring, with his 76th victory - a record that moves him up to third in the all-time winners list, level with the late, great, Mike Hailwood.

The Gauloises Yamaha rider began the last lap of yesterday's race in a close second position, but a braking mistake by Sete Gibernau handed him the lead, which he duly held to the chequered flag.

After crossing the line, Rossi was handed a white flag saying "76 Rossi, 76 Hailwood, I'm Sorry Mike" to mark the fact that he had equalled Hailwood - who four 500cc, three 250cc and two 350cc world titles during the 1960s.

"I made a special flag to apologise to Mike Hailwood for matching his 76 wins in grand prix, because when another rider arrives at your level, it's always disappointing!" explained Valentino.

"Mike is one of the greatest riders ever, and now I am beside him on the all-time winners podium in grand prix, which is a fantastic achievement!" he added. "I never saw Mike race, but he is a legend and it's a privilege for me to win as many grands prix as him."

The only two riders now ahead of Rossi on the all-time win list are Angel Nieto, with 90 wins, and Giacomo Agostini with 122.

Meanwhile, Rossi - who has won four 500cc/MotoGP, one 250cc and one 125cc titles to date - already holds a near unbeatable 120-point lead over Marco Melandri in the 2005 points standings.