ESTORIL, Portugal -- Frenchman Arnaud Vincent, riding an Aprilia, won the 125cc race at the Portuguese Motorcycling Grand Prix on Sunday to take another major step toward winning the world title.

Simone Sana of Italy finished second with Steve Jenkner of Germany third, both on Aprilias, Reuters reported.

The win takes him 23 points clear at the top of the 125cc standings with five races left. Afterward, Vincent said: "It was a very, very hard race. I had to be very careful in appalling conditions." Vincent added: "I have won nothing yet. We'll have to wait until the last curve of the last race."