Simoncelli: `I was a nobody, and now I´m World Champion´

Hardly tipped for greatness at the start of the season, Marco Simoncelli completed a dream year with the 250cc World Championship in Sepang. Unable to speak after his title triumph due to exhaustion, a more composed Metis Gilera rider admitted later that the significance of his achievement hadn´t yet set in.

`It still hasn´t sunk in what has happened. I am so tired. I imagine that with time I´ll understand what it is that I´ve achieved this year, but for the moment I just know that it is a great feeling, especially after two difficult years in which I was considered a fast rider but a nobody.´

Simoncelli paid tribute to the two bikes used in his title push with a mention on his Hendrix-inspired t-shirt, having started the year on a Gilera LE before graduating to a RSA.

`I was leant a hand when I was given the factory bike, but it has still been just as tough to win the title. It did make the battle between myself and the other riders more simple though,´ said the 21 year-old.

After failing to finish the opening two races of the year, Simoncelli had an uphill struggle to get into the title picture. After regaining ground, the Italian had to fight with some of the top names in the class, one in particular named in his post-race interview.

`Myself and Alvaro Bautista have been very strong, and have gone fast at every track. We also had some exciting races together. In the end I won, and I am delighted with this. For Gilera to have the number one plate in their centenary year will be a great satisfaction for us all!´