Bancaja Aprilia's Bradley Smith took second in today's MotoGP 125cc race at Phillip Island but had to look on as team-mate Julian Simon went past him on the last lap and crossed the line to win, taking the world title in the process.
Smith had ridden a flawless race but Simon, who had shadowed the Oxfordshire rider for the final five laps, just edged past the Oxfordshire youngster on the brakes into MG Corner and there was nothing Smith could do as he ran slightly wide and followed Simon over the line.
The second place means that Smith now had a 21-point lead over third-placed man Nicolas Terol so should be able to wrap up second place in the title chase at the next round in Malaysia next weekend.
Sandro Cortese took the final podium podium spot after reeling in a six second deficit over the course of the 23 lap race while Pol Espargaro finished fourth despite leading in the early laps.
"I was expecting the pass into Honda hairpin as I wasn't very strong there and I was being cautious. I kept on fighting as hard as I could, but well done to Julian, he has been the strongest rider all year," said Smith.
Blusens Aprilia's Scott Redding finished in 11th while Danny Webb, on the De Graaf Apriila, was two places behind.
