Even though several days of cold, wind and rain gave way to warmer spring temperatures at Phillip Island, the Spaniard was feeling under the weather, struggling to the sixth fastest lap time.

BBC: Matt Roberts' MotoGP column

With Massa winning at Interlagos, the Englishman knew he had to finish fifth to claim the title but he had slipped to sixth with one lap to go.

BBC: Ecstatic Hamilton revels in glory

With title rival Felipe Massa winning at Interlagos, Hamilton needed at least a fifth-placed finish to secure the title, but was sixth heading into the final lap.

BBC: Hamilton targets title hat-trick