MotoGP - 2009 - Review of the Season 2009

A chance to look back at the 2009 MotoGP season, where there was no shortage of excitement and talking points. Among the highlights was the thrilling duel between eventual world champion Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo at the Catalunya Grand Prix, where Rossi just pipped his young rival after an unbelievable last lap in which the lead changed hands three times. The Italian went on to clinch his seventh world premier class title in the penultimate race of the season in Malaysia having passed another milestone at Assen in June with his 100th career victory. Spaniard Lorenzo just missed out on the title this season but looks sure to capture it at some point in the future after impressing hugely in only his second year in the sport's top class. Also in his second MotoGP campaign was Britain's James Toseland although it was not to be a happy season for the Yamaha Tech 3 rider, whose contract was not renewed for 2010. Former world champion Casey Stoner also endured his share of ups and downs, notably suffering a debilitating virus, which caused the Australian to miss three races, although he came back to finish the season in great form.