Power Electronics Magazine - December 2015 by Power Electronics

N.09 - DECEMBER 2015

MAGAZINE

SOLAR PUMPING PROJECT

MEDIUM VOLTAGE

PUMPING OIL IN THE

IN TREBUJENA

SKID SOLUTION

GULF OF MEXICO

POWER ELECTRONICS

2015

culminated in the celebration of the 21st United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris where 195 countries signed a legally binding agreement that sets a limit on greenhouse gas emissions. This agreement sets the tone for future development in the energy sector and the need for innovative companies to create improved systems that support the global vision of an energy efficient future. At Power Electronics we embrace these objectives wholeheartedly within our longstanding philosophy of saving energy for the things that matter. Our story of success and energy efficiency started more than 27 years ago in the industrial sector and today our solar division draws upon our vast wealth of knowledge to create top class products for a diverse and energy conscious market. This year the technological developments carried out in our R&D Department enabled us to fill a diverse portfolio ranging from pumping oil on offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico to generating solar energy under some of the most extreme conditions in the Andes. We developed a new outdoor medium voltage inverter; the XMV660 Outdoor with an innovative cyclonic filtration system and introduced the new HEC 1500V inverter designed for the solar plant of the future. Furthermore we developed the MV Outdoor Skid solution that greatly reduces start-up costs, and we are proud to announce that our HEC PLUS

inverter has been chosen as one of the top 25 solar products for 2015. We are happy to announce that we have exceeded our strategic plan for 2015. This is something that would not have been possible without the consolidation of more than 30 international offices, all of whom played a fundamental role in our process of internationalization which started years ago. The European Business Awards (EBA) has recognized the success of this strategy by giving us the Ruban d’Honneur award for the “Growth Strategy of the Year”. Furthermore we have strengthened our leadership position in the UK for a second year in a row and our new delegation in the USA has achieved 1GW installed in more than 50 plants around the country. In the industrial division, our MV drives have become a leader in the Oil & Gas sector in the Gulf of Mexico and our SD700SP solar pumping drive has strongly established itself in New Zealand and Australia. At the end of 2015 our company has grown to over 1000 employees who will continue to build on our strong philosophy of energy efficiency and Power on Support. We look forward to pioneering more technological advancements in 2016 while providing our clients with the best possible service. David Salvo, CEO

CONTENTS

NEW GLOBAL SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER

NEW OFFICES IN ITALY, MEXICO, GERMANY AND NEW ZEALAND

IRENE SANHERMELANDO, CFO IN ECONOMIA 3

SPI, SOLAR ENERGY UK AND EFIAQUA EXHIBITIONS

LATAM AND CARIBBEAN SOLAR MARKET

FENASAN, CIREC, MEXICO CONVENTION AND PANAMA FORUM

OUTDOOR XMV660

MEDIUM VOLTAGE SKID

FREESUN APP

SOLAR PUMPING PROJECT IN TREBUJENA

PUMPING OIL FOR OFFSHORE PLATFORMS IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

MOTOGP END OF SEASON

NEXT EVENTS

Nicky Hayden contested his 216th and final MotoGP race in Valencia, as he signed off after thirteen seasons in motorcycling’s premier class. The 2006 World Champion was named as a MotoGP Legend. (p.14)

POWER ELECTRONICS

POWER ELECTRONICS APPOINTS A NEW GLOBAL SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Power Electronics was pleased to welcome Alan Tims into the position of Global Sales & Marketing Director in July earlier this year. Alan has overall responsibility for leading the development of our sales globally with a focus on the industrial side of our business. Alan has had a long relationship with Power Electronics and the Salvo family over many years, originally responsible for providing applications support from PDL Electronics back in the early 90s. Since those early days Alan has regularly kept in touch with PE, and more recently from his time working for Schneider Electric and Semikron GmbH out of Paris. Calling on his long track record in both the Engineering and the Commercial side of the drives and power electronics business, Alan’s primary goal is to oversee and develop our sales and marketing organisation and manage the introduction of our MV and LV products into new regions and markets. And to ensure that our new products definitions are aligned with the market needs, in order to meet our ambitious growth plans and levels of excellence that PE have set for ourselves. “Our recent success in solar inverters has somewhat overshadowed our core business of ac drives. While the recent spectacular growth in our solar business is great news for the company, it is very important not to overlook our core business of drives, which will give us the long term incremental

growth needed to reinforce the foundations of our company.” “It is imperative for us to continue our drives development to meet the challenges that the market and our competitors continually throw at us. The XMV660 MV drive is a good example, with this product we have the ability to open new doors, for example in the Oil & Gas industry where we already have some great new off-shore references in the Gulf region, of which we will leverage over to the lucrative US market, the centre for international O&G projects. We have also made advances into the Middle Eastern region where we will establish our own operation and also create one or two partnerships to tap into this market where the outdoor XMV660 is ideally positioned. We have caught our competitors napping in some cases, even some of the largest drives companies do not have an MV drive offer to match ours.” “Our products and new product development, coupled with the pillars of our company - our service, support and reactivity, which are second to none, give us a unique position in the market, one in which our competitors are nervously casting an eye over to us. It is imperative that we strive to maintain this identity, which differentiates us from the rest and will enable us to further develop as a company ” We wish Alan all success in his new position as he helps us move into the next phase of our business.

NEW OFFICES

2015 has been a stellar year for Power electronics, with our business expansion requiring four of our international teams to move into larger offices. This expansion is a clear indication of our commitment to creating integrated relationships with our clients and to ensure fast and effective implementation of our Power on Support philosophy.

POWER ELECTRONICS ITALY

POWER ELECTRONICS MEXICO

Via Paracelso 16, Palazzo Andromeda 1 20864 Agrate Brianza - Italy

Calz. Jinetes #197 - Las Arboledas - Atizapan de Zaragoza - 52950, Estado de Mexico

• Tel. (+39) 039 9050 899 • Email: infoitalia@power-electronics.com • Contact: Flavio Baccini

• Tel. (+52) 55 5390 8818 • Email: ventasmexico@power-electronics.com • Contact: Pedro Berriel

POWER ELECTRONICS GERMANY

POWER ELECTRONICS NEW ZEALAND

• Tel. (+49) 911 99 43 99 0 • Email: info@ped-deutschland.de • Contact: Günter Gassner

• Tel. (+64 3) 379 98 26 • Email: sales@power-electronics.co.nz • Contact: David O’Donoghue

Neuseser Strasse, 15 90455 Nürnberg - Germany

12A Opawa Road, Waltham Christchurch 8023 - New Zealand

POWER ELECTRONICS

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ORGANIZATIONS Executives from different companies based in Valencia along with officials from different areas of Ernst & Young shared experiences and discussed “Managing effectively subsidiaries in multinational environments” in a discussion organized by EY and Economia 3. From Power Electronics talked Irene Sanhermelando, CFO. You can read the full article in Economia 3. Irene Sanhermelando, CFO in Power Electronics, began by explaining that part of her mission in the company “is to educate and train the vision of group subsidiaries, the management team, directors of departments and people who are in my office; I am specializing in the different areas to control these subsidiaries and all that that entails. “She was not in favor of considering in all cases each subsidiary as a unit independent business. “It’s not something I want in my company, and we need to be aligned on objectives, or we´ll have the danger of having independent commands instead of subsidiaries and generate situations that can explode at any time by potential conflict of interest.” As for the matrix organization of which Dominguis Group spoke, Irene Sanhermelando said “it is better to have a balance in the management model based on the local execution and centralized management. In fact there are three subsidiaries now that have more weight on my balance such as England, United States and Mexico and have a controller that depends on the country geographically and functionally to the matrix.“ Power Electronics representative stressed that “companies cannot be managed online. If you want to have a successful subsidiary they must see you, the master’s eye fattens the horse. In fact, we must move to promote the culture of rigor and the standardization of procedures in both the parent and subsidiaries and also because we have a commercial component. Customers want to know they are in good hands and we take care of objective difficulties that the subsidiary has and we get involved.“ She also noted the importance of adding value to the subsidiaries. In his opinion, “we must not give anything for free and they should be self-sufficient and generate their own resources, but we must provide them with the tools and the right services

and charge for it. Moreover, if we need advisors in the subsidiaries we go together so they feel comfortable, as they will be their interlocutor.“ Regarding the confidence that Paul Penichet spoke, Irene Sanhermelando was in favor of regulating in advance with the local partner “when things go well, you must lay the groundwork and define the roles of each so that there are no gaps or place for doubt.“ She also called for training people within the company to perform the expatriation and internationalization. In particular, “it is very important to have a person trained in the organization to be your mirror and that each area director and country manager has to know to train their own teams and understand that nobody is indispensable. It is not healthy for the company to have people who are considered essential as a good professional is one who can team up and when they leave, nothing happens. That means they have transmitted a legacy and allow people to be ready to take the job.“ Also, she stressed, the human resources department plays an important role in the management of subsidiaries. “They should hire people who are mobile and discern in what positions should expatriate or use local personnel.” Finally, she defended the need for the controller to speak clearly with the Owners. “We are paid to give our opinion and to identify areas for improvement. In addition, we don´t expect to be liked by everyone. By default, our role can be uncomfortable and we are the person of no´s and questions.” Additionally she wanted to show her support for external advisors provided by large firms to multinational groups in the terms of geographical dialogue, the provide agility and talk among peers.

SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL

Power Electronics joined more than 600 exhibitors at Solar Power International, the largest exhibition in the solar industry held in September in Anaheim, California. Power Electronics introduced the latest generation of its HEC-US Solar Inverter, the first modular and redundant central inverter for large-scale plants with capacities that reach 2.5MW. Designed for outdoor use with a NEMA 3R Stainless Steel enclosure for utility scale PV plants located in the most demanding environments. Solar Power International was a week full of energy which brought together leading experts and professionals. Market-leading companies around the world introduced their innovations and discussed new political opportunities for the development of the photovoltaic industry.

SOLAR ENERGY UK, BIRMINGHAM

WE PARTICIPATED IN EFIAQUA 2015

Despite the constant changes that the solar sector are subjected to, the major players in this industry continue to join and build new alliances, discover new technologies and strengthening its business through international opportunities.

Power Electronics presented its latest low voltage equipment that has been developed over the past 27 years.

Power Electronics joined more than 200 exhibitors at one of the top fairs for photovoltaics at Solar Power UK (SEUK), from 13 to 15 October in Birmingham. Solar Energy UK is the UK’s largest exhibition dedicated to solar energy, renewable and low-carbon industry professionals.

This year also marked the first time in history that Power Electronics reached 1.4GW, positioning it as the second consecutive year as the leaders in the sector. We feel thrilled to announce our active participation in the fair and share our experiences and technological advances that have allowed us to continue working both in the UK and beyond.

Power Electronics joined Efiaqua which was held in Valencia from the 20th to the 22nd of October. This forum was attended by all stakeholders for whom water is a strategic resource, such as water companies, government, irrigation administrations, technological companies, labs, manufacturers and managers of water, wastewater and desalination.

In the demo area we gave a talk about “Solar Pumping SD700SP, the technology for saving” in which Raul Padierna, Sales Director of Spain, presented the solutions developed by Power Electronics as a result of the synergies between our solar and industrial division. This unique product takes advantage of the latest features of the SD700 industrial drive, and allows the use of energy from solar panels (isolated system), or a combination of solar and grid/generator energy (assisted system) simultaneously.

POWER ELECTRONICS

POWER ELECTRONICS IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN The solar market in Latin American countries is experiencing its busiest year ever, especially in light of so many solar tenders. Unstable electricity prices coupled with high levels of sunlight make these Central American countries extremely attractive solar business opportunities. Power Electronics´ activity in these countries began more than 15 years ago with our arrival in Chile, Mexico and Brazil, and currently we enjoy the privileges that come with being one of the first established subsidiaries. Driven out of the successful implementation of our Industrial Division the company began its development of its Solar Division in 2011. Raquel Iguala, Solar Sales Manager responsible for the sales growth in LATAM had this to say about the expected growth trend in the coming years: “The forecast for next year is 40MW in Panama in addition to collaborations with partners who are participating in the final tenders in Honduras and developing tender in Ecuador. Chile is now one of

the most promising markets for photovoltaics, with 260MW under construction, over 5GW approved by the SEIA and another 4.7GW awaiting approval. At the moment we are developing projects of up to 60MW. Some of these inverters need to run at 3000 meters elevation in Antofagasta. We are also developing 20MW in Uruguay and just supplied 10MW for a project in Barbados.“ It is also important to mention the high potential of neighboring Mexico, where the National Center for Energy Control - CENACE just gave the go-ahead for more than 2,500MW in power tenders to add to its current capacity. “Many of our customers were waiting for this moment. We are confident they will win many of these tenders,” says Raquel. “Many countries in LATAM already know our support philosophy and they know how we advise and provide training on each project, completely free of charge” this gives our clients a great level of security in the success of their investments.

FENASAN BRASIL 2015

CIREC WEEK 2015

For the fourth consecutive year, Power Electronics Brazil presented their products in FENASAN, International Trade Fair for Sanitation and Environment (4-6 August in Sao Paulo). FENASAN is one of the most important fairs in the sanitation sector in Brazil and abroad. The event brought together the leading manufacturers and suppliers of materials and services. It was a unique opportunity to generate new opportunities in this sector and meet the technological advances applied to the treatment systems and water supply, wastewater management and solid waste.

The International Conference for Renewable Energies, CIREC WEEK 2015 took place between 26 and 28 October in Chile, serving nearly 500 delegates from industry, including authorities, executives, developers, academics, banks, suppliers and media.

MEXICAN PETROLEUM CONGRESS

5TH ENERGY FORUM IN PANAMA

The 10 Mexican Petroleum Congress was held in June in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Under the motto â&#x20AC;&#x153;Knowledge, Technology and Experience: Key to competitivenessâ&#x20AC;?. The Congress attracted more than 5.000 professionals and 200 companies related to the oil industry.

The 5th Panamanian Energy Forum was held on the 12th of September in Panama. This forum is one of the main events for the promotion of energy investment in Latin America, full of new industry and business opportunities.

Power Electronics Mexico presented the XMV660 and SD700 MV variable speed drives. It was a unique scenario to further introduce the new outdoor version of XMV660 with its innovative cyclonic ventilation system.

For three days, representatives of the energy sector gathered to meet and exchange views on the latest developments and key themes, consolidating this conference as the most influential event of the year for renewable energy in Chile.

Power Electronics LATAM attended this unique opportunity to participate and network. This is a key meeting for the effective development of investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency for each country in Latin America.

POWER ELECTRONICS

XMV660 OUTDOOR THE FUTURE OF OUTDOOR MV DRIVES The outdoor market is growing at a high rate and attracting the attention of leading companies looking for robust, cost-effective solution for some of the harshest environments around the world. Power Electronics set out to create a high performance product with low maintenance needs that could meet and exceed all expectations. With the XMV660 OUTDOOR Power Electronics achieved its goal of Providing the most innovative, reliable and long lasting IP55/NEMA3R outdoor medium voltage drive in the market. It is setting new industry standards with its incredibly innovative cooling and filter-less filtration system and provides clients with an easy to install product without the need for additional ventilation or the construction of protective shelters. This speaks directly to cost sensitive markets by providing a reliable, safe and efficient solution to reduce the OPEX and CAPEX of new facilities. The topology of the XMV660 integrates seamlessly into an enclosure specifically design for extreme conditions common in Oil&Gas, Power generation and water applications. It is built to withstand extreme temperatures up to 50°C, ice, dust, moisture and even sand storms. The XMV660 goes one step further in achieving high performance by implementing proven low voltage technology within a modular and reliable configuration. An Input phase shift transformer powers low voltage cells that are connected in series producing a quasi-sinusoidal current and voltage output wave with reduced dV/dt and THDi. This leads to reduced peak voltages at the motor terminals, lower motor vibration and reduced risk of overheating. Power cells are connected to dedicated output terminals of the phase shift transformer that are configured from 18 to 54 pulses. This transformer offers a low THDi, high electric protection and a high power factor at low loads.

The control panel monitors the transformer and communicates with the power cells via fiber optics while at the same time communicating with the user through a well designed user interface. Outdoor equipment is always a challenge, but by integrating our wealth of experience in the outdoor solar division with the XMV660, Power electronics has succeeded in creating one of the best products available on the market.

Power Electronics provides innovative solutions and best-in-class worldwide service, an undoubtedly good concept combination that ensures long-term relationships with our clients. • Stainless Steel Enclosure - that ensures cabinet longevity under the most demanding conditions. • Mineral Isolation - that reduces direct sunlight heat gains and ensures trouble free operations. • Non-stop innovative Cooling – Smart and Reliable cyclone air filtering that allows the unit to withstand Sand Storms and Extreme Environments. • Redundancy – Power cells and cooling redundancy reduce the cost associated to a non-scheduled production stop.

MEDIUM VOLTAGE SKID, THE NEWEST MOST COMPETITIVE TURNKEY SOLAR SOLUTION The MV Skid is a compact outdoor skid made of high resistance galvanized steel with all the medium voltage equipment integrated and accompanied by a solar inverter: protection cell, outdoor power transformer, oil tank and filter. With voltages between 400V and 460V in the low voltage and 11kV to 36kV in the high voltage, this compact platform achieves power outputs between 1000kVA and 2550kVA with the HEC Plus solar inverter series. This compact solution also allows the installation of a low voltage cabinet fully configurable by the customer as well as different types of cells and even an enclosure fence among other options.

The MV SKID simplifies the project design of the PV plant, reducing the cost of installation and the amount of resources devoted to it. This makes it the optimal solution for EPC`s (engineering, procurement, construction). It is also easier to transport and deliver into remote sites. Another benefit is the reduced time of commissioning, since all medium voltage connections are made and tested at the factory. Users are only required to perform the checklist before starting the unit. As for low voltage connections the unit is based on the concept of Plug & Play. Power Electronics technicians themselves will carry out the plan, quickly and easily.

FREESUN APP CONNECTS YOU WITH OUR INVERTERS Power Electronics in its bid to create an application for mobile devices presents our Freesun app for monitoring our solar inverters. It is available on Android and iOS operating systems and can be used on both smartphones and tablets. The Freesun application makes it easy to connect to our modular solar inverters via WiFi. It is possible to perform the following tasks: monitor the key performance parameters of equipment, remote configuration, monitor operating statuses of diagnostics, module comparisons, values of incidents and many more. The application, through a careful and simple interface, displays data graphically and numerically. It also provides comparative information at the level of modules and clusters as well as showing detailed information of the entire system. Easy and intuitive to use; with this application you can automatically identify Freesun inverters available on the local network and store information from inverters to communicate with them at any time.

POWER ELECTRONICS

SUCCESSFUL SOLAR PUMPING PROJECT IN TREBUJENA The municipality of Trebujena Cadiz houses one of the largest fish farms in Spain. Located at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, the farm has more than 250 hectares dedicated to cultivating Bass. The facility has 3 pumping systems of 33kW each and total pumping capacity of 1000l/s. The system brings water directly from the river to the different ponds where the Bass kept. For a little over a year this farm has held the title of being the only farm in Europe to stock up with photovoltaics. It was not always easy, Salvador Romero, the current director tells us. “We spent more than 8 years contemplating this project, but due to the high costs of photovoltaic panels at the time and the fact that neither in Spain nor in Europe a facility with these flows existed, made us doubt the success of the investment.” said Salvador. “We decided to make the investment when the prices fell. Once the installation started working with the set parameters, the system worked perfectly. The management is perfect: it detects any abnormalities and regulates pumps depending on the energy that is generated.” Salvador speaks highly of his support from Power Electronics “The role of Power Electronics has been crucial at all times, I needed their support and they ensured at all times that I received it.” “We knew that the performance of the facility could be increased with the use of frequency converters that allow us to maximize the hours that the pumps are working by constantly varying the output frequency depending on solar radiation. In the summer there is more demand for water but this is also when we have more energy available. It is true that in the winter there are less hours of sunlight,

but we also have a lower necessity for water.” REDUCE THE ELECTRICITY BILL “As an isolated system, we worked with a diesel generator. To give you an idea; each pump consumes 10 liters of diesel per hour. This 250kW field with its single axis solar tracker allows us 9-10 hours of daily pumping with 3 pumps, savings us a considerable amount in our cost of production. With the pumping system we saved almost all of our energy requirement.” This is the goal of photovoltaic pumping; save energy and reduce electricity bills. “In no time the initial investment was recouped.” “We do not store any energy, so we are planning to install another SD700SP for a 4th pump situated 350m from the current pumps in order to take advantage of the excess energy generated by the plant.” Salvador is so happy with the results that he is planning to enlarge the photovoltaic field in order to connect other installations. “This will give us autonomy on an estimated 70% of our pumping potential, and in addition to the energy savings we like to know that our CO2 emissions are reduced”

POWER ELECTRONICS IS PUMPING OIL FOR OFFSHORE PLATFORMS IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

The first installation for PEMEX with a Dual-ESP encapsulated system and powered by Power Electronics Medium Voltage variable speed drives. Power Electronics has successfully completed the installation of the first of its 30 Medium Voltage XMV660 drives which will be allocated Ayatsil-A, Ayatsil-B, Ayatsil-C, Zaap-E y Maloob-A platforms located in Sonda Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico. With the help of Power Electronics the number of barrels will be increased to over 150.000 per day in the first stage of the oil fields in KUMAZA Ayatsil. VSD IN AN ESP SYSTEM Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP) play a key role in enabling wells to produce oil that are unable to produce naturally. ESPs are commonly used in wells which cannot naturally raise the oil to the surface due to low pressure in the reservoir, high water cut or high pressure in the wellhead, or a combination of the three. In this case oil needs to be extracted from porous materials at a depth of up to 3000 meters, an extremely challenging feat that requires highly specialized and expensive equipment. The technology and software in the Power Electronics variable speed drives (VSD) allows delicate and precise control of these pumps in order to match the conditions in the well. This is done based on precise feedback from sophisticated sensors connected to the pumps. Some of the problems faced by ESPs, and the necessity for exact motor control are related to constant changes in torque caused by varying oil viscosity and gas bubbles. These conditions, if not controlled, can result in stress on the motor and vibrations that can damage the ESP or even rupture the well. By precisely controlling the pumps based on sensor feedback, Power Electronics is able to maximize production and greatly extend the productive life of the ESP´s and other down-hole equipment. It also reduces operating costs, increases efficiency and maintains system integrity.

Within artificial lift technology, it is the first time that PEMEX uses a DUAL-ESP encapsulated system, even though the use of Electrical Submersible Pumps is widespread. The newly installed system has one of the motors at a depth of 2553m and the second at 2671m. Due to the long periods of time needed to remove a faulty pump, if the first pump fails the 2nd pump takes over. With this system repairs can be carried out on 2 pumps at the same time. XMV660 - MAXIMUM PRECISION AND SAFETY The XMV660 is a multilevel inverter employing cascaded H-Bridge cells on the output and uses a multi-pulse phase shifting transformer at the input. It has a typical pumping power range from 280kW to 1200kW. The XMV660 drive is available up to 5500kW with a maximum voltage of 13.8kV. Rugged mechanical design, high efficiency and power factor even at partial loads, low harmonics compliant with IEEE519, low dV/dt eliminating cable length restrictions and the need to derate the motor, are just some of the features of the XMV660. This project reinforces Power Electronics’ market position in the Mexican Oil and Gas industry, and more specifically, in the techniques necessary for artificial lift used on offshore platforms. Pedro Berriel, CEO of Power Electronics Mexico comments on this milestone for Pemex and Power Electronics: “The confidence Pemex has in Power Electronics verifies the success of our philosophy of Power on Support and identifies us as a brand of quality and prestige with extremely good service” The success in this application highlights that Power Electronics is one of the leading global manufacturers of Medium Voltage variable speed drives.

POWER ELECTRONICS

NICKY HAYDEN SAID GOODBYE TO MOTOGP IN AN EXCITING WEEKEND IN CHESTE, SPAIN POWER ELECTRONICS rider signed off after thirteen seasons, 216 appearances and a world title to his name. It’s over. One of the most exciting seasons in recent memory concluded with a race that went very much to form, as Jorge Lorenzo wrapped up the win and the world title from pole position. The Spaniard showed pace all weekend and backed up his practice potential by dominating all thirty laps from the front, clocking a new lap record as he held off the challenge of Marquez and Pedrosa. Behind the top three Valentino Rossi put up a valiant display from the back of the grid to finish in a highly-creditable fourth place, but it wasn’t enough to retain top spot in the championship as Lorenzo picked up his fifth title in all classes. Nicky Hayden contested his 216th and final MotoGP race, as he signed off after thirteen seasons in motor cycling’s premier class. The 2006 World Champion was named as a MotoGP Legend but it was business as usual over the weekend for the POWER ELECTRONICS rider, who made up three positions on the first lap as he tried desperately to take the final Open victory of the season. For the majority of the race it looked as though he would do just that but as tire performance dropped off dramatically towards the final laps he lost crucial positions, eventually dropping back to seventeenth overall. His team-mate Eugene Laverty’s season came to a premature end, the Irishman still struggling with a burn suffered in the last race at Sepang and was forced to retire on the 23rd lap.

NEXT EVENTS London 28-29 January

Panama 29 Feb-4 March

Zaragoza 8-11 April

Birmingham 12-14 April

Mexico City 17-19 May

Parma 24-26 May

Munich 22-24 June

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