Brivio: Rossi has nothing to prove anymore

That is the view of Yamaha team boss Davide Brivio, who reckons this year's performance shows Rossi is the strongest rider in the field.

"The win at Motegi is a good representation of the season," Brivio was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Valentino has produced a great proof of strength in a Grand Prix raced at a crazy rhythm.

"I think this title ends all pub-worthy discussions over who is the strongest. Vale has nothing to prove anymore."

The Italian won the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday to secure his sixth MotoGP title after eight victories this year.

Brivio admits there were moments when the team were worried following three consecutive wins by Casey Stoner during the summer.

"Stoner's hat-trick of victories certainly worried us, even though Valentino still had a good lead," he added. "At that moment Stoner was extremely quick and on the Saturday evening at Laguna Seca it was hard to believe Valentino could win the race.

"His merit was indeed in always believing in it. The first victory at Welkom 2004 will always be in our hearts, but the Laguna Seca one was truly special too."

Brivio said it had been difficult to cope with not winning the title for the last two years.

"They were difficult, but they cemented the team. We've always remained calm, there was never a moment of tension. We knew something wasn't working. What some people considered whining by Rossi, was in fact the truth."