Valentino Rossi capped the 2008 MotoGP season by setting yet another all-time record: collecting 373 points in one year.
Rossi, who earlier clinched the riders' title with three races left in the season, placed third in the season's closing Grand Prix in Valencia on Sunday after a brilliant start which saw him begin in the 10th position on the fourth row to then weave his way up into third in just a handfull of laps.
''I knew that by starting so far behind it would be near impossible to win. But I had a good, fast start and after I climbed into third I thought for a moment I could catch (Honda rider Dani) Petrosa,'' the world champion said after the race.
''But my settings were off and I had trouble with left curves so I just treated it like a practice session. I think this was probably the most boring race of the season for me,'' the 29-year-old said.
''Still I can't complain. Third place allowed me to set the record for season points and I tied the record I already held for podium finishes in a season: 16. I don't think I've done that since 2005,'' the Yamaha rider added.
Rossi, who this year set the all-time record for victories in the premier class, 71, was already back on the track on Monday to prepare his bike for next season, which will see all bikes using the same brand of tires, Bridgestone.
''I'm curious to see what difference this will make. In my view the best thing would be to limit some of the electronics in racing, but no one is listening to me. Fortunately, it's not as boring as in Formula 1 where electronics has taken all the fun out,'' Rossi said.
''The most important thing for me now, after a season where I showed I was once again the man to beat, is to continue to work hard and focused. There's no time to rest on our laurels,'' the world champion added.
Rossi won his sixth MotoGP championship after a two year gap which followed his strong of five titles in a row.
He is now just two titles shy of the all-time record of eight titles held by the legendary Giacomo Agostino, his idol.
After beating Agostini's record for the number of wins in the premier class, Rossi now has his sights on Agostini's record for Grand Prix career wins in all classes, 122 compared to Rossi's 97.
The Yamaha rider is also closing in on his idol's record for career podium finishes: 150 to 159.
