Bike Trader

Australian genius Stoner had to finish the race ahead of Valentino Rossi and Yamaha to wrap up the title with three GPs remaining, and he did that by finishing sixth after leading the early stages.

The race couldn't have been more nerve-wracking: it started on a slightly damp track, with most riders choosing rain tyres, then the circuit dried out enough for riders to swap to slick-equipped bikes.

Capirossi was one of the first riders to switch, at the end of lap nine, and his strategy paid rich dividends as the 2005 and 2006 Japanese GP winner went on to score a Motegi hat-trick, 10.853 seconds ahead of his closest rival.

Stoner swapped bikes at the end of lap 14 and maintained his renowned cool to become the second youngest premier-class World Champion, after American legend Freddie Spencer.

"At the moment it all feels a little bit unrealistic,” said Stoner after his historic victory. “I'm struggling for words, I don't think there's any feeling that can compare to this, but I think it's going to sink in as the day goes on.”

The result triggered scenes of euphoria in Borgo Panigale factory back in Italy where over 1000 fans watched the race on giant plasma screens.

Page 1