While all eyes at Valencia were on the MotoGP title battle between Rossi and Lorenzo, can we first take a moment to celebrate the first British GP champion since Barry Sheene in 1977. Take a bow Danny Kent, you made us wait for it but congratulations. Finishing ninth while your main rival took the win isn't the best way to take your first world championship, but at the end of the day all that matters is securing that number one plate. Ok, back to the main event...
Danny Kent the first British World Champion since 1977
Social media spats, campaigns, court cases, and that was even before first practice kicked off at Valencia! Is it a sad end to a cracking season, or an extra bit of spice? Whatever your take on the Malaysia incident, the fact was that Lorenzo's stunning lap put him at the front of the Valencia grid while Rossi's moment of madness ensured he was right at the back. Lorenzo certainly had the speed to win, so Rossi's main hope (ironically) was the two Hondas. If Pedrosa and Marquez could kick Lorenzo back into third, Rossi had a chance at the title. A slim one, but still a chance.
Lights out and within a few corners Rossi had made up 10 places, within two laps he was in 12th and third time across the line in he was in the top ten. Which was the good news for Rossi fans, the bad news was that Lorenzo was leading the pair of Hondas. And now Rossi was mixing it with the satellite bikes...
You have to hand it to Rossi, not only was he riding like a demon, he also had the 'Rossi factor' working for him and quite a few riders seemed unwilling to put up too much of a fight when he attempted a pass. But Lorenzo was still in the lead and only Marc looked able to go with him - which wasn't enough for Rossi. Would tyres decide this championship?
18 laps left and Rossi had done all he could, securing fourth spot and putting clear air between him and Dovi. But with Dani 11 seconds ahead of him, he needed a miracle in the shape of the Honda pair's front tyres going or them both overtaking Lorenzo to take the title.
The last 10 laps were shaping up to be a subdued affair with Marc tailing Lorenzo and Dani looking out of the picture. Or was he? Had Dani conserved his tyres as he was now lapping faster than the leading pair...
Well, by now I'm sure Twitter is full of hate for Marc. The chance was there, Dani gave it everything in the last few laps to bridge the gap but Marc didn't attempt an overtake on Lorenzo all race. Did he shadow Lorenzo rather than go for the win? Rossi certainly thinks so but only one person knows for sure and you have to hand it to Lorenzo as he rode an inch perfect race. The fairytale end to the 2015 season didn't happen for Rossi fans, but Lorenzo's army will be partying hard in Spain. Will Marc be invited to the gig...
MotoGP
1st: Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP)
2nd: Marquez (Repsol Honda Team)
3rd: Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team)
Moto2:
1st: Rabat (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS)
2nd: Rins (Paginas Amarillas HP 40)
3rd: Luthi (Derendinger Racing Interwetten)
Moto3:
1st: Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo)
2nd: Navarro (Estrella Galicia 0,0)
3rd: Kornfeil (Sepang International Circuit)
Cal Crutchlow (MotoGP) - 9
Bradley Smith (MotoGP) - 6
Scott Redding (MotoGP) - 15
Eugene Laverty (MotoGP) - DNF
Sam Lowes (Moto2) - 5
John McPhee (Moto3) - 7
Danny Kent (Moto3) - 9