Round 22 brings us to Valencia for the final stop on our calendar at the home of title deciders – the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. We’ve seen unexpected moments, historic battles and shock results here, and although the MotoGP World Championship is already wrapped up, there’s still plenty of reason to get excited. But before we get into the action this weekend, let’s cast our minds back to some incredible battles for FREE!
2006 – Hayden’s dream becomes reality
The 2006 season finale remains an unforgettable day for any MotoGP fan, with just eight points separating Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden heading into Valencia. Rossi launched from pole, but lost ground after a poor start, dropping behind Hayden. THE moment arrived on Lap 5 as Rossi crashed at Turn 2, ending his realistic hopes of the title. It was another defining moment in MotoGP history as Rossi crossed the line in P13, allowing Nicky Hayden to become the 2006 World Champion!
2012 – Pedrosa wins as Stoner enjoys his last dance
Although the World Championship was wrapped up, the 2012 Valencia GP delivered, with tyre gambles, mixed conditions and pitlane starters! A mix of dry and wet tyres saw polesitter Pedrosa start from the pits as the #26 changed to slicks. Aleix Espargaro led early, but a busy GP, with many switching tyres, which played into Jorge Lorenzo and Pedrosa’s hands as the track dried. Pedrosa enjoyed an astonishing comeback, carving his way through the entire field to eventually win from a surprised Katsuyuki Nakasuga in second, whilst Casey Stoner finished his final GP in third, and Lorenzo scored no points following a crash.
2013 – Marc Marquez rewrites the history books
Since entering the premier class, Marc Marquez has torn up the history books, nonetheless in his rookie season. After an incredible season, Marquez entered Valencia with just a 13-point lead over Jorge Lorenzo – setting up for a phenomenal battle. Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez went to battle, setting up for fireworks in Valencia. Lorenzo took the win from Pedrosa, but it was Marquez in third, earning a further 16 points to become the 2013 World Champion as a rookie!
2015 – The showdown
2015… Big names, back-of-the-grid penalties and a finale which would head into the history books. It was the final chapter to a unique story, with Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi both entering the final weekend with a chance of the title. Rossi had work to do at the start, serving a back-of-the-grid penalty for the Sepang clash involving Marc Marquez. The #46 charged through the field, eventually finding himself in fourth position after an impressive ride. However, with Lorenzo in the lead, Marquez in second and Pedrosa in third – Lorenzo’s name was etched into history once more.
2017 – Marquez vs Dovizioso
Another year, another Championship decider, with Marc Marquez facing the possibility of becoming the 2017 MotoGP World Champion – holding a 21-point advantage over Andrea Dovizioso. It was an unforgettable end to the season, with Marquez holding the advantage in the early laps. The #93 later dropped back, remaining in contention following a breathtaking save at Turn 1. Marquez stayed on, and with a crash from Dovizioso in the closing laps, Marquez was crowned Champion at the chequered flag!
2022 – Bagnaia and Quartararo lock horns
A title is decided as Suzuki writes their final chapter – the 2022 Valencia GP was memorable for more than one reason. Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo battled for the crown in the final round, locking horns and keeping fans around the globe on the edge of their seats. It was pure MotoGP drama, with Quartararo unable to move into the podium following a busy couple of laps. At the flag, Bagnaia finished in ninth, and with Quartararo remaining in fourth, it was enough for the #63 to become Champion. Meanwhile, Alex Rins gave Suzuki the perfect farewell, taking victory!