Pedrosa started eighth on the grid, several places behind compatriot and defending world champion Jorge Lorenzo, with Rossi in second ahead of Maverick Vinales.

But the Honda rider produced a tactically flawless race to steadily move up to the front after Rossi had taken the lead from the second of the race's 28 laps.

Pedrosa overtook Rossi with 12 laps to go and never looked back. A frustrated Rossi finished a close second with Lorenzo in third.

Spain's Marc Marquez, who finished fourth on a Honda, retains the lead in the world championship standings on 223 points.

Rossi is second on 180 with Lorenzo on 162 and Pedrosa 145.