Former MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo described the day as a special one after the Spaniard completed his final MotoGP race before retiring at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia.

The five-time World Champion announced the shock decision on Thursday prior to the weekend and has looked like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders since making the decision to hang up his leathers.

Lorenzo finished his final race in thirteenth place and said that he focused on just finishing his final race in the tricky conditions.

“Today was a special day,” said the Spaniard. “On the grid I had a very different feeling to all my other races and certainly in the opening laps I was more cautious than other races because the conditions were very difficult, and I wanted to finish my last race.

“I focused mostly on myself in the race and I am pleased to end with some points certainly. It is great to help the Repsol Honda Team win the Teams Championship after an unbelievable season from Marc.

“I want to say thank you to all of Honda as they have treated me with the utmost respect and professionalism. I wish them all the best for the future.”

At 32 Lorenzo is still relatively young compared to some riders, leaving some to question if his decision was final. Despite this, Lorenzo insisted that he is now happy and feels free to be out of the MotoGP circus. 

“I'm totally happy,” he said. “I feel a lot of happiness and I feel free. When I crossed the line, I felt freedom.

“I'm exiting this sport healthy, still young and with the possibility to enjoy life a lot. There's only one life, and you have the chance to enjoy it."