ANDERSTORP, Sweden -- Freddie Spencer, making a daring maneuver on the final lap, Sunday extended his tenuous lead over American compatriot Kenny Roberts in the 500cc World MotorcE:le Championship by winning the Swedish Grand Prix.
Roberts finished second, losing the lead he held on the final lap when Spencer, riding a Honda, squeezed past on a bend.
Roberts said Spencer's action could have ended in both riders crashing and it was only by taking to the grass at the side of the track that he was able to avoid an accident.
Spencer apologized to his rival after the race on the winner's podium but insisted his tactics were not dangerous. He said he planned the maneuver in advance and saw it as the only chance of getting past Roberts.
'Losing on the last lap is part of racing,' Spencer said.
To take the championship Roberts must win at Imola, Italy, Sept. 4 and Spencer must finish lower than third.
