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The world championship officially came to a close on Sunday evening at Valencia, with the 2016 FIM Awards, presented by Suzi Perry and Ernest Riveras. The Master of Ceremonies was, of course, Carmelo Ezpeleta, the godfather of Dorna and FIM President Vito Ippolito.
An 'internal' party that celebrates by itself seeing as it has little to no media coverage, considering the place and time. A pity, because motorcycling also needs these occasions in order to expand its fanbase to a more, let's say, cultured public.
To give an idea of the depth of awards handed out, consider that MotoGP 'Rookie of the Year' went to Tito Rabat, of the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS team. A good rider but, above all, a great young man, but the fact that he was the only rookie in his category didn't lead to any 'you like to win easily' jibes. The prize that went to Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) makes more sense, as he's dominated the privateer rider standings. Though this subdivision is also a little pointless, considering that the talented Cal has used a bike that is 99% similar to that of Marquez, as he himself has stated on more than one occasion.
The most highly-anticipated riders to take the stage were the three world champions of course: Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) in the reigning class, Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) for Moto2 and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) for Moto3.
Xavi Vierge of the Tech3 team was the best rookie in the middle class and Joan Mir (Leopard Racing) took that same title in the lower class.
Poleman of the year was Marquez, who thus scored the BMW M Award (and a fantastic BMW M2) while the Tissot Pole of Poles went to Zarco and Binder in the other classes.
This year, in contrast to last year, no manufacturer earned the so-called 'triple crown', as Honda took the rider's and manufacturer's world titles, but Yamaha scooped the best team title.
The manufacturer's title for Kalex in Moto2 is of little value (the other frame manufacturers are still searching high and low) while KTM was the deserved winner in Moto3.
The 'dress code' was like this: Valentino Rossi turned up in a (quasi) tuxedo, Marc Marquez in a jacket and tie, while Jorge Lorenzo went for a more youthful 'all black'.
One interesting fact: we've learned that in 2017 all of the logistics of the KTM team in MotoGP - flights, hotels etc. - will be managed by Dorna.
Last to take to the stage at Valencia were the young talents of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: the winner was Ayumu Sasaki, followed by Aleix Viu and Raul Fernandez in second and third place.
