that group, Hayden is also opening up a slight gap to Roberts Jr, with Pedrosa harassing him all throughout the lap. At the Sachsen Kurve (Turn 13), Rossi makes a move on Hopkins for sixth by diving down his inside. A similar move is also done by Hayden on both Roberts Jr. and Pedrosa at the same corner, making a very late lunge and taking the lead on the exit of the corner. On lap two, both Tamada and Melandri pass Roberts Jr. at the beginning and exit of the Coca-Cola Kurve, promoting both to third and fourth place. At the Sachsen Kurve, Melandri tries to pass Tamada for third but runs wide, allowing the Japanese to retake the place upon exit. This move also allows Roberts Jr. and Rossi to close right up. Lap three and at the end of the start/finish straight, Melandri goes for a pass on Tamada again, this time at the entrance of the Coca-Cola Kurve. He goes up his inside and this time successfully takes third from him. Sixth place Rossi is still right behind the American, trying to pass him at the Sachsen Kurve but not being able to. Home hero Alex Hofmann meanwhile has retired from the race. On lap four, Melandri sets the fastest lap of the race. Rossi this time manages to get past Roberts Jr. at the Sachsen Kurve, moving him up into fifth place. Lap five and Pedrosa tries a move on teammate Hayden but has a moment going into the Coca-Cola Kurve, opting to stick behind him for the time being. Rossi has quickly closed the tiny gap to Tamada and is behind him all throughout the lap. On lap six, Capirossi - who had regained the places he had lost earlier - is now right on the back of Roberts Jr. and tries to find a way past. The top six now consists out of Hayden, Pedrosa, Melandri, Tamada, Rossi and Roberts Jr.. As Hayden crosses the lap to start lap seven, it is Tamada who passes Melandri for third position at the start/finish straight, finalising the pass at the entrance of the Coca-Cola Kurve. Entering the Sachsen Kurve, Melandri tries to line up a pass by diving down the inside of Tamada but gets blocked and has to stay behind instead. Lap eight and Melandri manages to take third from Tamada at the same corner