Crash.net recently asked for your MotoGP star of 2008, from a shortlist of ten riders provided, and - with voting having now closed - the time has come to reveal the results.
During the next ten weekdays, we will be revealing the voting results in reverse order, with the winner being revealed on Wednesday December 3.
More than 54,000 votes were cast for the MotoGP poll. The average score given for each rider was used to produce the final ranking.
MotoGP Star of the Year - third place:Name: Jorge Lorenzo
Team: Fiat Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZR-M1
Wins: 1
Podiums: 6
Pole Positions: 4
Fastest laps: 1
Championship points: 190
Championship position: 4th
Jorge Lorenzo finished fourth in the 2008 MotoGP World Championship and in doing so claimed the rookie of the year title. Lorenzo made a stunning impact with three poles and three podiums from his first three MotoGP races with Fiat Yamaha, including a debut victory at round three in Estoril.
However, a massive highside during practice for the following Chinese GP left Lorenzo was fractured ankles and, despite finishing runner-up at round five in France, marked the start of a confidence-sapping run of accidents and injuries that included his withdraw from Catalunya and another huge highside on lap one of the US GP.
But it was during this difficult period that Lorenzo won over numerous new fans. Lorenzo had often come across as 'overconfident' during his title-winning 250GP campaigns, but showed a much more human side as he spoke frankly about the fears he was battling every time he got back on the bike after his accidents - and displayed undisputed courage in trying to ride through his injuries.
Once his numerous injuries had healed, Lorenzo - the youngest rider on the grid - rebuilt his confidence with five front rows and two podiums during the last six rounds and was the highest placed Michelin rider in the final standings.
Lorenzo's 2008 performance was the best by a rookie since Valentino Rossi in 2000 and the Spaniard will have high expectations for 2009. You recognised Lorenzo's efforts and achievements by voting him third in
Crash.net's MotoGP Star of the Year poll.
3rd - Jorge Lorenzo4th - Andrea Dovizioso5th - Nicky Hayden6th - Dani Pedrosa7th - James Toseland8th - Colin Edwards9th - Toni Elias10th - Alex de AngelisTomorrow: We reach number two in the MotoGP Star of the Year poll.
