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MADRID - With Casey Stoner having won the MotoGP title over a month ago, the battle for second and a series of farewells will capture the attention at this weekend's season-ending race in Valencia.
Five-times premier-class champion Valentino Rossi, who has not finished outside the top two in any category since his rookie season of 1996, needs just a single point to ensure he finishes as runner-up for the second year running.
The Italian has had another up and down season at Yamaha but is still firm favourite to edge out Honda's Dani Pedrosa for second spot behind Stoner.
The 28-year-old Rossi can also become the first rider to chalk up 100 podium finishes in the premier category by coming home in the top three in Sunday's race.
"It's been a long hard season," said Rossi. "More than anything I want to win and give everyone in the team a happy end to the season.
"Motivation is still very high. Second place is not first but it is still important."
Stoner will be bidding farewell to team mate Loris Capirossi, who is set to join Suzuki after five years with Ducati.
The 34-year-old Italian finished second behind Troy Bayliss in Ducati's maiden one-two at Valencia last year and the two men will be hoping to end this season on a similar high.
Stoner, meanwhile, can break the record for the most points scored in a single season if the Australian claims his 11th race victory of the year in Valencia.
Spain's Jorge Lorenzo wrapped up his second straight world title last time out in Malaysia but the 125cc title has yet to be decided.
Hungarian Gabor Talmacsi leads the championship by 10 points from Aprilia team mate Hector Faubel, who won his home town race in Valencia last year.
- REUTERS
