• MotoGP

Marquez youngest ever MotoGP champion

Marc Marquez sparked wild celebrations among the 104,000 fans in Valencia © Getty Images

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Marc Marquez has made history in his rookie year after becoming the youngest ever MotoGP champion following a third-place finish at the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix.

The 20-year-old only needed to finish in the top four to become the first rider to win the title in his debut season since American Kenny Roberts in 1978.

Jorge Lorenzo, the only man who could have denied Marquez the title, won the race with Dani Pedrosa second.

"This is a dream that comes true," said Marquez. "I cannot explain what I feel."

The Spanish rider's triumph sparked wild celebrations among the 104,000 fans in attendance.

"I didn't expect to fight for the championship [this season]," Marquez told BBC Sport. "Jorge Lorenzo did a great job but thanks to my team."

Last year's champion Lorenzo said: "Marquez has been a deserving champion, today is his day."

Marquez was overtaken by Lorenzo at the first corner having started on pole, but kept calm and avoided becoming involved in a risky fight with his title rival. The Spaniard briefly fought to the front later on before Lorenzo retook the lead, with Marquez settling for third having sensed his job was done.

Seven-times world champion Valentino Rossi finished fourth, with Briton Cal Crutchlow crashing out.

Valencia Grand Prix results:
1. Jorge Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha 46'10.302
2. Dani Pedrosa (Spa) Repsol Honda 46'14.236
3. Marc Marquez (Spa) Repsol Honda 46'17.659
4. Valentino Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 46'20.881
5. Alvaro Bautista (Spa) Honda Gresini 46'25.267
6. Stefan Bradl (Ger) LCR Honda 46'34.701
7. Bradley Smith (Gbr) Tech 3 Yamaha 46'39.345
8. Nicky Hayden (Usa) Ducati 46'50.195
9. Andrea Dovizioso (Ita) Ducati 47'03.498
10. Michele Pirro (Ita) Ducati Test Team 47'13.285

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