Despite winning the race – former X-lite pilot Jorge Lorenzo could not stop Marquez from becoming the first debut-season title-winner since American Kenny Roberts in 1978. All Marc had to do was come forth – and considering he had only finished below that twice all season – expectations were high that he would succeed.
Although British Spidi pilot Cal Crutchlow crashed out – he still finished 5th in the championship standings and was the top non-factory rider!
A championship second for Alex Rins – While the Spidi pilot started the race with a pole in Moto 3 – it wasn’t enough to secure him the title. He battled with Vinales and was in front until the second from last corner where he went wide and finished the race in third.