"It’s a bit strange. Usually you win a championship when you cross the finish line at the end of a race, so this is a bit different. But this way is also okay! Germany needs a motorcycling World Champion – it’s been 18 years since a German won a title, so I’m happy to be that guy.

"Everyone knows that Formula 1 is very popular in Germany, because we have some big talents like Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher, but I know that all these guys follow MotoGP and they are really excited about this. I think there will be some big parties and celebrations in Germany tonight!

“I’m just very, very happy and I want to say thank you to everyone: to my team, my sponsors and my father. It is 20 years since my father finished second in the 250 World Championship and now in my opinion he is also a World Champion. He has been the biggest part of my life, he has supported me from the start and my whole family have been behind me.

"It’s been a difficult year sometimes – leading the championship by a long way isn’t easy, because it’s always in the back of your mind. We were good in every race, more or less, but Moto2 is so close that sometimes you just want to go away on your own and ride a good race.

“After I lost the points lead at Motegi I knew it was going to be very difficult. I just told myself to never give up and to give it everything. Then the championship changed again in Malaysia. I’m sorry for Marc’s crash and I give him my congratulations for a great rookie season. He won more races, but I was more consistent because I got more points.”