Motorsport: Italian motorcyclist Simoncelli wins maiden title

Italian motorcyclist Marco Simoncelli won his maiden 125cc title at the Spanish grand prix yesterday after runaway leader Casey Stoner, of Australia, slipped off the rain-drenched Jerez track just two laps from the finish.

Germany's Steve Jenkner recovered from an early scare after sliding off on to the gravel to pick his way through the field and secure second place. Spain's Hector Barbera was third.

Andrea Dovizioso, winner of the season-opening Africa grand prix, finished fourth while Stoner, who had a storming start off the front row, made a remarkable recovery, picking himself up after his crash to cross the line in fifth.