Valentino Rossi was today crowned MotoGP champion for the fifth year in succession.
The Italian finished second in the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang, doing enough to ensure he could not be caught at the top of the riders' standings in the premier class.
It was the Gauloises Yamaha ace's seventh title in this discipline overall, having also triumphed in the 125cc and 250cc classes earlier in his career.
Compatriot Loris Capirossi, on the Ducati Marlboro, won the race from pole, while Spain's Carlos Checa took third from eighth on the grid, pushing Rossi hard for second.
