FOLLOWING a highly competent performance for second place at Phillip Island, Jorge Lorenzo has become the first Spaniard ever to win two world titles.
After title rival Dani Pedrosa crashed disappointingly in the second lap of the penultimate race of the season, Lorenzo needed only a solid podium position to guarantee his title win.
Lorenzo started the race with a 23 point lead over Pedrosa, who could afford nothing less than to finish 10 points ahead of his fellow Spaniard. In reality, this meant a first place finish for Pedrosa, whilst relying on Casey Stoner to hold off Lorenzo for third place. It was all or nothing for Pedrosa, and on the day he couldn't deliver.
Taking a slightly wide line on turn four of the second lap, his rear tyre gave way, sending him spinning off the raceline. Unscathed but unable to continue, despite a brief attempt to rejoin the race, Pedrosa conceded the championship.
All that remained was for Lorenzo to ride home to championship victory.
Lorenzo has displayed remarkable consistency over the course of the season, finishing either first or second in every race, excluding the Assen TT where he was taken out by Alvaro Bautista.
Heading into next season, Lorenzo may face a new challenge in the form of new teammate (and old rival) Valentino Rossi, who will join him at Yamaha in 2013, after a relatively disastrous stint at Ducati.
