This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/6096580.stm

The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Hayden claims shock world title Hayden claims shock world title
(10 minutes later)
Nicky Hayden snatched the MotoGP crown from the grasp of five-time champion Valentino Rossi following a dramatic final race in Valencia on Sunday.Nicky Hayden snatched the MotoGP crown from the grasp of five-time champion Valentino Rossi following a dramatic final race in Valencia on Sunday.
Rossi led the standings by eight points before the race but saw his hopes end after sliding out on lap five.Rossi led the standings by eight points before the race but saw his hopes end after sliding out on lap five.
He got back on his Yamaha and finished 13th but American Hayden, 25, came home in third to take the title for Honda.He got back on his Yamaha and finished 13th but American Hayden, 25, came home in third to take the title for Honda.
Australia's World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss, riding in place of the injured Sete Gibernau, won for Ducati.Australia's World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss, riding in place of the injured Sete Gibernau, won for Ducati.
Hayden's title chances looked over just a fortnight ago when he crashed out of the Portuguese MotoGP after being hit by team-mate Dani Pedrosa.Hayden's title chances looked over just a fortnight ago when he crashed out of the Portuguese MotoGP after being hit by team-mate Dani Pedrosa.
You dream about being world champion and dedicate your whole life to it, so when it comes true it is very special Nicky HaydenYou dream about being world champion and dedicate your whole life to it, so when it comes true it is very special Nicky Hayden
But the 'Kentucky Kid' bounced back to become the first American to win the premier class title since Kenny Roberts Jr in 2000.But the 'Kentucky Kid' bounced back to become the first American to win the premier class title since Kenny Roberts Jr in 2000.
"I'm just real, really proud," said an emotional Hayden after the race."I'm just real, really proud," said an emotional Hayden after the race.
"You dream about being world champion and dedicate your whole life to it, so when it comes true it is very special."You dream about being world champion and dedicate your whole life to it, so when it comes true it is very special.
"I may not always have been the fastest but every race I've tried my hardest.""I may not always have been the fastest but every race I've tried my hardest."
Hayden enjoyed a 51-point advantage over Rossi, 27, in the standings after his victory in the US Grand Prix in Laguna Seca in July.Hayden enjoyed a 51-point advantage over Rossi, 27, in the standings after his victory in the US Grand Prix in Laguna Seca in July.
But the Italian clawed his way back into contention before taking over the lead at Estoril following Hayden's mishap.But the Italian clawed his way back into contention before taking over the lead at Estoril following Hayden's mishap.
British rider James Ellison finished the race 14th on the Tech 3 Yamaha to endthe season in 18th position.
  • Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo won the 250cc title by finishing fourth onthe Fortuna Aprilia in Valencia.
    The race was won by San Marino's Alex de Angelis on the Master Aspar Apriliaas Lorenzo finished the season 17 points ahead of Italy's Andrea Dovizioso.
    Britain's Chaz Davies was 21st in a wild-card ride on the Grillini Honda asfellow countryman Dan Linfoot failed to finish on the Winona Honda.
  • Hector Faubel won the 125cc race as his Master Aspar Aprilia team-mate and fellow Spaniard Alvaro Bautista, who was already world champion, finished fourth.
    Britain's Bradley Smith was 12th on the Repsol Honda to finish his debutseason in 19th.
    606 COMMENT: Your views on Hayden's world title triumph