Dani Pedrosa secured the runner-up spot of the 2007 MotoGP standings by just a point following his victory in Valencia.
It was a dominant display by Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa who won his first ever home race in the premier class to the delight of the local fans. The Spaniard crossed the finish line 5.447 seconds ahead of the newly crowned world champion Casey Stoner.
Stoner however put up a strong challenge early during the race when he seized first place and led the opening laps. But as soon as Pedrosa was able reclaim the lead, there was little Stoner could do to mount any form of challenge. In the end, Stoner just had to settle for second place.
The victory allowed Pedrosa to clinch the runner-up spot in the standings. It was a case that was thought to be impossible because Valentino Rossi only needed a single point to secure second in the standings.
Rossi however suffered successive mishaps during the race weekend. He fractured three bones in his right hand after a crash in qualifying. Although the Italian fought bravely to secure the necessary points he needed as he move up to 14th place from 17th on the grid during the race, mechanical problems forced Rossi to retire handing the runner-up spot to Pedrosa. It is the first time that Rossi finished third in the overall standings in his entire MotoGP career. It is also the Italian’s lowest ever finish.
Rossi’s retirement wasn’t the only bad news for the Fiat Yamaha team. Rossi’s teammate, Colin Edwards struggled for pace as he crossed the line down on thirteenth place.
As dismal as the season ender was for Fiat Yamaha, the opposite holds true for rivals Repsol Honda. This is because Pedrosa’s win is also significant for the Michelin shod Repsol Honda team. After almost a full season of struggling for pace, dominating the ‘all-conquering’ Ducati is certainly a good sign for the next season.
Another team that should be happy with the outcome of the race is Rizla-Suzuki after John Hopkins rounded up the final podium position.
Honda Gresini’s Marco Melandri crossed the line in fourth place. His compatriot, Loris Capirossi finished his final race for Ducati in fifth place. The second of the Rizla-Suzuki of Chris Vermeulen crossed the line in sixth while Pramac d'Antin's Alex Barros finished in seventh.
Outgoing world champion Nicky Hayden had to settle for eighth place for Repsol Honda. The season finale summarizes what was a difficult season for the American having had no wins in the year of his title defense. But at the very least, Hayden should be pleased that his team looks as though it will be more competitive next season judging by his teammate’s victory.
Kawasaki Racing’s Randy de Puniet and Honda Gresini’s Toni Elias rounded up the top ten as they finished ninth and tenth respectively.
