Jorge Lorenzo may have now officially lost his world title chances to team-mate Valentino Rossi, but the young Spaniard is determined to bounce back in 2010.
Lorenzo's fourth place in Malaysia on Sunday, and Rossi's third, means that he can not catch the legendary Italian at the final race in Valencia, but far from a defeated man the 22-year-old has vowed to hit back next season.
"I want to give my congratulations to Valentino and all his team. He is the champion," he said. "It's been a great season and I could never have expected to be fighting with Valentino like this so early in my career."
Lorenzo's hopes of snatching the title from Rossi all but disappeared when in a disastrous start to the day he was forced to start from the back of the grid.
"Today was a difficult day. We improved in the warm-up and I was hoping to have a good race, but when it started to rain we had problems to turn on the bike," he said.
"We had planned to ride two laps, but I didn't have enough time and the pit lane was closed. Then had to begin from last position, but I did one of my best ever starts."
"The first corner was incredible, but as time went on I began to have some grip problems, like during the whole weekend. However it was a great race for me in difficult circumstances and we finished fourth, not so bad."
Lorenzo's immediate aim is to get the one point he needs in Valencia to ensure he finishes second.
His manager, Daniele Romagnoli, said Lorenzo had given his all in a battle with one of the true legends of motorsport this year and could be proud of his efforts.
"We've given everything we have this year to make his life difficult on track but now he has won and he deserves this victory. This year has been great for Jorge and today he did a brilliant race from last on the grid," he said.
"Unfortunately we had trouble with the race bike and had to change to the back-up one, and then Jorge wasn't in time to exit the pit lane after his second sighting lap."
"It was a pity but he put on an exciting show and did so well to finish fourth. Now we will focus on confirming the second place in Valencia and then look forward to next year, when I am sure Jorge will be even stronger."