A day of smiles, frustration and tears. Valentino Rossi set more records as he confirmed his fifth title with his ninth victory of the season, now 16 podiums in 16 races but his 22 consecutive visits is the new record. Daniel Pedrosa was also smiling on his lap of honour in a convertible as he dedicated his title to the fans. Toni El�as was frustrated and he head to make do with the second place on the podium after an unequal fight with Randy de Puniet�s Aprilia, and so was H�ctor Barber� who lost the triumph on the last curve when he wanted to celebrate a victory on his 17th birthday.

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Emilio Alzamora showed us the tears as he said farewell to the fans who applauded his career and cheered him on from the stands. The Spaniard carried a large flag at the end of the race: 'Emilio Alzamora, thanks fans'. His emotions affected his race. "You can�t race like this. I was thinking about all my racing career during the race � he said �I wanted to finish as soon as possible but without falling so that I could thank the fans, above all today when the result was not so important. I apologise to them because they have not aeen the real Alzamora; these are the best fans in the world and they will always be in my heart".

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Toni El�as left the podium regretting the fact that he lost the chance to fight for the world title, but his conscience was clear as he had done everything he could to win it. With five triumphs he is the rider who has won most races this season� and that makes him optimistic about the future. He will change to Honda next season and be in the same team as the runner-up in the category, Roberto Rolfo. The Italian has not had a chance top fight with Manuel Poggiali who finished third and is now the first ever debutant to become World 250cc Champion.

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The WSC 2003 has now ended with Valentino Rossi, Manuel Poggiali and Daniel Pedrosa in the photo of the champions and with Spain becoming one of the big powers as Spanish riders got 19 victories and 38 podiums this season.

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