MotoGP Valencia - Vinales crowned Moto3 Champion

Spanish youngster Maverick Vinales has been crowned the 2013 Moto3 World Champion at Valencia after a titanic scrap with rival Alex Rins.

The pair diced for the entire race and it came down to a last-corner pass when Rins tried to go under his compatriot but ran wide and Vinales had the drive to the line. Louis Salom, who had also challenged for the title, crashed unhurt but re-mounted to finish in 14th place.

In a dramatic conclusion to what has been an intriguing Moto3 title battle it was Team Calvo’s Viñales who had the last word, taking his first win since Le Mans – only his third victory of 2013 – before he moves up to Moto2 next season.

Rins (Estrella Galicia 0,0) missed out in the final stages as Viñales made his move, with German Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3 rider Folger coming through for second place on the final straight. If he stays in Moto3 next year Rins will surely get another title shot.

There was heartbreak for Red Bull KTM Ajo man Salom who crashed out on lap 15, dropping the front end at turn five, having gone into the race as the standings leader. Meanwhile Jack Miller (Caretta Technology – RTG) also hit the deck in the final stages when fighting for a podium finish.

Alex Marquez (Estrella Galicia 0,0) finished fourth and again showed why he should be a regular podium and victory contender in 2014, whilst Efren Vazquez (Mahindra Racing) finished in the top five, having started tenth.

The top ten for the final race of the season was completed by Alexis Masbou (Ongetta-Rivacold), Isaac Viñales (Ongetta-Centro Seta), Ana Carrasco (Team Calvo), Philipp Oettl (Interwetten Paddock Moto3) and Miguel Oliveira (Mahindra Racing).

Niklas Ajo walked away from a high speed crash at turn 3, whilst Livio Loi hit the deck on lap 14 after clashing with Francesco Bagnaia and Britain's John McPhee was also unable to finish the race following an early accident. All riders escaped unhurt.

By MotoGP desk

Images by Team Calvo