Rossi reaffirms number one status

Italy’s Valentino Rossi confirmed himself as the world’s top rider when he won the first-ever MotoGP title with victory in Brazil.

The London-based Repsol Honda rider took the race win in Rio de Janeiro from arch-rival and fellow Italian Max Biaggi on the Marlboro Yamaha.

Third place went to the Telefonica Movistar Suzuki of American Kenny Roberts Jr but there was disappointment for Ulsterman Jeremy McWilliams who was forced to retire the Proton KR.

Rossi had won the title last year when it was the 500cc championship but this season’s crown is the first ever since four-stroke machines became prevalent over two-strokes in the blue riband category.

Argentina’s Sebastian Porto took a maiden GP win in the 250cc class on the Petronas Yamaha.

Britain’s Leon Haslam was 10th but Cibertel Honda team-mate Jason Vincent failed to finish the race.

Welshman Chaz Davies was 29th on the Matteoni Aprilia in the 125cc race which was won by Japan’s Masao Azuma on a Honda.