Migguel Oliveira seals dream win in home race at final MotoGP round of season in Portugal

The 25-year-old Portuguese rider was untouchable at his home Grand Prix, setting his first pole position of the season and leading from the lights to the chequered flag with 3.193 seconds to spare over a titanic scrap for second between Australian Jack Miller and Spanish ace Franco Morbidelli.

Going onto the final lap Petronas Yamaha rider Morbidelli seemed to have second place secured as he had led Miller on the Pramac Ducati from lap one but the tough Aussie, having his last race for the Pramac team before moving to the factory Ducati squad for 2021, made his move at the left-hand Turn 13 forcing Morbidelli wide and the Spaniard had no answer settling for third by the flag and runner-up in the championship.

“It was a great way to finish the championship,” said Morbiddelli.

“I was trying to pull away from Jack but finally he put his wheels in front of me on the last lap and I wasn’t able to retaliate. Now it’s time to relax and get ready for next year.”

Miller added: “Miguel was on another level today. Especially on the first laps he went away so quick from us. We were running a really good pace and he still gapped us.

“I wanted to pass Frankie earlier but I got a little too close at times and nicked him but I managed to make it stick on the last lap and I’m really happy. I really found my groove again in the last few races with the bike and I’ll come back stronger next year.”

Race winner Oliveira was delighted with his win saying: “You dream about these kind of races and to finally be able to do it is incredible!

“I have no words to describe my gratitude to all the crowd who could not be here today and it is my farewell to my Tech3 team and to give them and KTM this victory it is a huge accomplishment for me.

“Today is extra special for me as my family didn’t get to see my first win live earlier in the year and they are here to complete an incredible and emotional day for me.” British rider Cal Crutchlow was competing in his last MotoGP before joining the Yamaha test team for 2021.

It wasn’t the ending he had hoped for finishing 13th on the LCR Honda but he can reflect on a great career that saw him win three Grand Prix in his nine year MotoGP career.

Andrea Dovizioso had his final race for Ducati finishing sixth before taking a year out, helping Ducati to win the constructors title.

Enea Bastianini finished fifth in the Moto2 race to claim the world championship while Remy Gardner raced from pole to take his first Grand Prix victory.

He left it until the last lap before passing Luca Marini for victory. A new lap record and first win for the son of the 1987 500 world champion Wayne was a great finish to the 2020 season for the 22 year-old.

Marc VDS hero Sam Lowes rode through the pain barrier for a brilliant third place finish. At one point it was doubtful if Lowes would even make the start as the pain from his broken wrist was proving too much in morning warm up but he did line up on the second row and produced the performance of his career.

“I didn’t expect a podium today,” he said.

“I didn’t say too much about the hand but I have two broken bones in there and to come to Portimao a track I know is very difficult and to fight with the guys is fantastic.

“I didn’t think I had a chance today but I went for it and finished third in the championship. I really gave it everything this weekend and I’m really proud to get a podium because after the morning warm up it looked as if we had no chance.”

Raul Fernandez convincingly won the Moto3 race but 12th place was enough to crown Spaniard Albert Arenas champion.

Scotland’s John McPhee finished the season with a ninth place on the Petronas Honda.