Paddock wags also reminisced about Wayne Gardner's only victory of his final season in 1992, which came shortly after announcing his retirement, and Simon Crafar's shock defeat of Mick Doohan in 1998.

BBC: Matt Roberts' MotoGP column

Crafar's pole position, fastest lap and race win sweep was astounding not only because it was achieved on Dunlop tyres, who had not won for three years in an era dominated by Michelin, but also because it was Yamaha's first in 23 races.

BBC: Matt Roberts' MotoGP column