On the day when Yamaha were able to celebrate three world titles in MotoGP, World Supersport and World Superbike, it is the latter that is arguably most likely to be considered the sweetest triumph.

A first World Superbike title for the Japanese manufacturer after 21 years of trying, Ben Spies fought back from a ten point deficit heading into the final round to take the championship by a mere six points.

A tense day for team manager Massimo Meregalli as he watched Spies ride for fifth position in the final race of the season, he was relieved to finally see his rider cross the finish line to be crowned champion.

“I feel great! This is the first time I've had this victory feeling. I was so nervous for this whole weekend. Ben showed us that the speed he had was ok but I know Nori very well and Ducati as well so I was always worried that something was going to come.

“Fortunately we finished very well. I want to thank everyone, not just the people here in the team and Yamaha but the people at home, mine and the team's families, they give us a lot of support and are patient, I think it is hard for them too, so thank you to my wife!”

The fourth different manufacturer to win the riders' title in five years, Yamaha Motor Europe manager Laurens Klein Koerkamp expressed his delight at seeing the team sweep the board in just a single day.

“A fantastic day for Yamaha! Today was the crown of a year's hard work for Ben and the team. From the first moment we started to work with Ben it was clear he was something special. He did an amazing job in his rookie season, not knowing many of the circuits in Europe.

“This victory is also very well deserved for the team who have given 100%. I know how hard we have all been trying and coming close for such a long time. This championship success is a clear testimonial of the competitiveness of the new R1 and a validation of Yamaha's vision of production bike development and so is also shared with the engineers in Japan.”