250cc: Aoyama takes title from Simoncelli

Reuters - Sun, 08 Nov 12:03:00 2009

Hiroshi Aoyama of Japan won the last ever 250cc world title when he recovered from running off the circuit to finish seventh at the Valencia Grand Prix.

MOTORCYCLING 2009 Gp Spain Aoyama - 0

The Honda rider needed to come in 11th or higher to secure his first championship and the final 250cc title before the category is replaced by the new Moto2 class from next year.

He went off the track on lap nine and dropped down to 11th but his task was made easier when nearest title rival Marco Simoncelli crashed out while leading with seven laps left.

Spaniard Hector Barbera won the race, making sure of second place in the championship standings ahead of Gilera rider Simoncelli.

Barbera's Spanish compatriot Alvaro Bautista was second and Italy's Raffaele De Rosa third.

Alex Debon, another Spaniard, was quickest in qualifying on Saturday but crashed late in the session and suffered a suspected broken rib that meant he was unable to race, so Simoncelli started from pole.

Reuters

Comment 1 - 5 of 5

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  1. Was it Gravel Rush or a Pebble Dash? But he won on­ aggregate!

    Well deserved. Such a nice chap. As KTM­ said long ago. Hiro is a hero.

    From Mr Red, on Mon 9 Nov 3:05PM

  2. well done aoyama. too bad marco went down, but it gave­ aoyama the chance to really enjoy the last race on the­ 250 bike.

    From gegaard, on Mon 9 Nov 11:32AM

  3. Wait a nail biter for an Aoyama fan. Marco races hard­ and kind of put a few hard passes on him but hey­ that's racing. Good job!

    From Todd, on Mon 9 Nov 3:09AM

  4. Well done Aoyama San for fighting for the Championship­ with an inferior machine . Next year Simoncelli and­ Aoyama are on same machine . Keep up the battle

    From unnikri2006, on Sun 8 Nov 3:15PM

  5. you are the best...hiroshi-san....

    From yuuritashikawa, on Sun 8 Nov 1:01PM
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