Jorge Lorenzo wins MotoGP title after Valentino Rossi finishes fourth
Last Updated: 11/12/15 9:32am
Jorge Lorenzo won his third MotoGP title after winning the final race of the season in Spain.
Lorenzo claimed his fifth world title after main rival and Movistar Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi finished fourth in Valencia.
Rossi had been forced to start from the back of the grid after appearing to aim a kick at Repsol Honda's Marc Marquez in the previous race at Sepang in Malaysia.
Leading results of Valencia MotoGP
1. J Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha 45:59.364
2. M Marquez (Spa) Honda 45:59.627
3. D Pedrosa (Spa) Honda 46:00.018
4. V Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 46:19.153
5. P Espargaro (Spa) Yamaha 46:25.368
6. B Smith (GB) Yamaha 46:28.199
7. A Dovizioso (Ita) Ducati 46:28.250
8. A Espargaro (Spa) Suzuki 46:33.586
9. C Crutchlow (GB) Honda 46:35.288
10. D Petrucci (Ita) Ducati 46:38.943
Lorenzo started on pole and led the race for every one of the 30 laps to win his seventh race of the season ahead of Marquez and his Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa.
Rossi led Lorenzo by seven points in the championship standings ahead of the race and would have claimed his eighth world title and the first since 2009 if he had finished second.
The Italian made a quick start and had moved up to 10 place just two laps into the 30-lap race. He continued to push forward and was fifth after 10 laps, but was unable to make any further ground after reaching fourth place two laps later.
Final riders' championship standings:
1. J Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha 330
2. V Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 325
3. M Marquez (Spa) Honda 242
4. Di Pedrosa (Spa) Honda 206
5. A Iannone (Ita) Ducati 188
6. B Smith (GB) Yamaha 181
7. A Dovizioso (Ita) Ducati 162
8. C Crutchlow (GB) Honda 125
9. P Espargaro (Spa) Yam 114
10. D Petrucci (Ita) Ducati 113
"I was under a lot of pressure, the rear tyre was destroyed," said Lorenzo, who was booed by some of the home fans despite his nationality.
"It was very emotional. I was crying throughout the victory lap. What we achieved today is huge after a very difficult season. Five times now. I'm very proud to have won this world title for Spain."
"I just tried to focus and go as fast as possible, the bike was moving around so much. I was praying to finish the race. Now I am five-times world champion, it is easy to say but hard to do. I am very proud. This is a world title for Spain!"
Danny Kent became the first Briton to secure a motorcycling world title in 38 years after he claimed the Moto3 Championship.
The 21-year-old finished ninth on his Honda to claim the crown by six points from race winner Miguel Oliveira.
"It's an amazing feeling, a dream come true. You need luck, a great bike and a great team behind you," said Kent.
The Moto2 race win went to Spaniard Tito Rabat on a Kalex.
