MotoGP 2017: Maverick Vinales wins thrilling French GP, Valentino Rossi crashes out at final lap from P2

In what could be the most thrilling race of the season so far, Movistar Yamaha's Maverick Vinales returned to winning streak in HJC Helmets Grand Prix de France on Sunday. The 22-year-old Spaniard who started race from pole position moved to the top of the riders championship with the win at Le Mans.

Also read: 8 reasons why MotoGP 2017 season is most exciting to watch

It was a disappointing end of for his teammate Valentino Rossi as he crashed in the final lap from P2. With both Yamahas dueling on the last lap, the number 46 dramatically slid out and joined Repsol Honda Team's Marc Marquez on the list of those leaving Le Mans empty handed.

It was a promising race for local boy Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) as he finished the race second. The rookie held on with some stunning pace in his home race. He even took the lead at the first corner starting from P3 on the grid. The Frenchman held firm at the front in style until Vinales made his move. Rossi also overtook him mid-way in the race but the unfortunate crash of Italian rider helped Zarco to secure his first podium in the MotoGP.

Early exit of Marc Marquez led his team mate Dani Pedrosa moving to third spot. Pedrosa began the race in P13, was seventh after the first few laps and then pushed his way past Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) and Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda). He had a close battle with Marquez before watching his teammate slide out.

Dovizioso and Crutchlow finished the race in fourth and fifth respectively. Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) took a top six finish to gain an impressive ten places from his difficult grid position, with Jonas Folger (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) in seventh.

Jack Miller (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) cross the line in the top ten in eighth, ahead of Frenchman Loris Baz (Reale Avintia Racing) in ninth. Andrea Iannone (Team Suzukia Ecstar) completed the top ten.

HJC Helmets Grand Prix de France- Results