Rossi: This is a ‘great achievement’

Valentino Rossi claimed his seventh premier class world title in Malaysia – the ninth of his career across all categories – on Sunday, and acknowledged the magnitude of his feat. A twelfth podium of the season for Valentino Rossi – the 163rd of his career across all classes – secured the 2009 MotoGP World Championship for the Italian at Sepang, and he was understandably delighted with the achievement. In rain-soaked conditions and after falling to tenth place from pole position after a slow start, Rossi climbed the field to secure third behind Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa, and explained the problems that faced him before the start of the race. Having been pushed throughout the season to retain his crown by team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, who finished fourth, Rossi paid special tribute to the 22 year-old Spaniard’s efforts.