Despite a heroic effort from the back of the grid, Valentino Rossi could only manage a fourth place finish as teammate Jorge Lorenzo secured his fifth championship crown, following victory in Valencia.

Having started the race seven points behind Rossi who, due to a coming together with Marc Marquez in the previous race, was forced to start from the back of the grid, Lorenzo led from start to finish – narrowly beating fellow countryman Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez, who finished third and second respectively.

In a race overshadowed by conspiracy theories and some sections of booing from the home crowd, Marquez battled in vain to overtake Lorenzo who, upon victory, smiled triumphantly before dedicating his world title to his fellow countrymen and fans alike. “I am very proud” stated the Yamaha man, “now I am five-time world champion […] this is a world title for Spain.”

With the final standings placing Lorenzo only five points ahead of his main title challenger, Rossi, although philosophical on the day, maintained a level of displeasure in regard to the manner of his teammate’s victory. Citing Marquez’s “behaviour” as the reason behind his eventual defeat, Rossi believed the events which unfolded in Valencia were both “embarrassing” and “sad” for the sport.

With seven victories to his name this season, Lorenzo’s victory may well be deserved. But given the bitter end to what has ultimately been a terrific Moto GP season, there’s no denying that the events which occurred in the build up to this weekend’s race will hang over any pending celebrations for the newly crowned champion.