Jorge Lorenzo beats Rossi to secure MotoGP title

 

Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo wins MotoGP title for the third time after winning Valencia race

Jorge Lorenzo
Jorge Lorenzo

Spanish rider Jorge Lorenzo won the MotoGP title for the third time after surviving Valentino Rossi’s onslaught to claim victory in the final race of the season in Valencia.

Lorenzo, 28, began seven points behind Italian Valentino Rossi when the two were heading for the penultimate race. Seven-time MotoGP champion Rossi, 36, would have won his first title since 2009 with a second-place finish but his chances were scuppered before the race even began as he had to start at the back of the grid as a penalty for clashing with Spain’s Marc Marques in the previous race.

But despite Rossi’s charge from the back of the grid to fourth place, Lorenzo’s flawless performance saw him hold off his challengers to claim the win in stunning fashion before the home crowd.

Lorenzo, who also won the title in 2010 and 2012, led from the start after his blistering lap record in qualifying had put him on pole. The Yamaha rider also had to contend with Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa all breathing down his neck, but Lorenzo made no mistake, holding off the two Honda – both of whom needed to pass Lorenzo to deny him the championship – with an impressive ride.

Had Pedrosa or Marquez passed Lorenzo, the title would have gone to Valentino Rossi. Both Pedrosa and Marquez were closing in on the first-placed Lorenzo, but their battle for second place allowed Lorenzo some precious breathing space and he calmly took the chequered flag.

Elsewhere, Valentino Rossi’s thrilling charge through the field was all in vain, and Lorenzo’s win saw him secure the MotoGP title by five points from the Italian.

“I was under a lot of pressure, the rear tyre was destroyed,” said Lorenzo, who was surprisingly subjected to boos from sections of his home crowd. He has now won five world championships in total - three in MotoGP and two racing in the 250cc category.

“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!”