Bradl crowned Moto2 champ

Stefan Bradl was confirmed as the 2011 Moto2 World Champion at the final round of the season in Valencia, making the 21 year-old the first German rider to take a World Championship since Dirk Raudies in the 125cc class in 1993.

The coming into form of 2010 125cc Champion and Moto2 rookie Marc Márquez saw the title fight become a two-way affair as the Spaniard rapidly accumulated wins, but Bradl’s consistency and cool head ensured regular podiums and just one finish outside the top eight; a crash at Assen.

Heading into the final round of the year with a 23-point advantage over Márquez after the Spaniard missed the Malaysian GP through injury, Bradl was confirmed World Champion with the withdrawal of his rival for the final round in Valencia – thus putting the seal on a maiden World Championship after an enthralling season-long fight for the crown.

“It's a bit strange,” said Bradl. “Usually you win a championship when you cross the finish line at the end of a race, so this is a bit different. But this way is also okay! Germany needs a motorcycling World Champion - it's been 18 years since a German won a title, so I'm happy to be that guy.

“I'm just very, very happy and I want to say thank you to everyone: to my team, my sponsors and my father. It is 20 years since my father finished second in the 250 World Championship and now in my opinion he is also a World Champion. He has been the biggest part of my life, he has supported me from the start and my whole family have been behind me.”