THE World motorcycling champion, Michael Doohan, recovered from a dramatic mistake to claim a stunning last lap win in the Brazilian Grand Prix yesterday.

Doohan, who wrapped up this year's 500cc championship in Catalonia last month to win his third successive title, appeared to be out of contention when he was distracted by a backmarker and went onto the grass.

But the Australian, who made it clear he would not use the trip simply as an excuse to savour the delights of Rio, recovered to overtake - leader Alex Criville on the last lap after the Spaniard appeared to lose concentration.

In the 250cc category, Italy's Max Biaggi, who needed to finish 11th or higher to clinch the world title, missed his chance for glory by crashing out in the early stages of the race.

Germany's Ralf Waldmann finished second, behind Frenchman Olivier Jacque who claimed his first Grand Prix win, to slash Binggi's lead to one point.

. British Superbike Championship contender Jamie Whitham, riding the Cadbury's Yamahn, was the star of the day at Bishopscourt on Saturday at the 10th Annual Sunflower International short circuit races.

Richard Britton, on a Kawnsaki, won the 600cc race, beating the fancied Derek Young, on a Honda.