|
 |
| Moto GP Italian World Champion, Valentino Rossi
celebrates on his Yamaha after winning his GP race during the
Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Ricardo Tormo racetrack in
Valencia. [Reuters] |
Italy's world champion Valentino Rossi
signed off his season in typical style winning his ninth race of the season at the Valencia
MotoGP on his Yamaha.
The Italian master rider finished ahead of compatriot Max Biaggi,
riding a Honda, while Australia's Troy Bayliss ended his term with Ducati
on a high note by taking third.
Six-time world champion Rossi picked up the 68th victory of his career
after wrapping up his fourth MotoGP title two weeks ago in Australia.
Rossi, 25, held off a late challenge from Biaggi to claim his third
race victory in a row, and guarantee Yamaha the team title.
The Italian overtook polesitter Makoto Tamada on lap six and made
his decisive move on lap 15 to hold his lead until the line. Japan's
Tamada finished in fifth position.
Rossi, who has another year left on his Yamaha deal, revealed on Sunday
that he will stay in the world championship for at least two more years.
"For sure next year I am staying with Yamaha, and I want another year
in motorbikes," said the Italian who wrapped up Yamaha's first world title
since 1992 after switching from Honda last year.
Rossi added that he was delighted with his season after many had
expected him to struggle when he switched teams. "To win nine races has been
unbelievable for everybody and we also won the team award," said
Rossi.
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2004-11-01 14:53