Smets forgets friendship and follows orders.

Belgian Joel Smets dominated the final round of the World 500cc Motocross Championship - but pulled over to allow teammate Garcia Vico victory, at the expense of his friend Marnicq Bervoets.

KTM rider Smets was already assured second position in the series after Stefan Everts won the title two weeks ago.

Smets had led the race from virtually the start and was told by his team, via the pit board, to allow Spaniard Vico to be allowed to take the win. Smets did not act on the instruction for four laps - and it looked as though he might ignore the message - but then he pulled up short of the finish line to allow Vico his first win of the season, 25 points for the win secured third position in the championship.

Speaking after the race, Smets maintained that he hadn't been ignoring the message, just ensuring that he didn't mess-up the switch: "I saw the signal but when I tried to slow I made all sorts of mistakes, the track is very demanding so I juts rode my own race until the last lap and then allowed Vico to win. "

The order had put the Belgian in a difficult position with friend and countryman Marnicq Bervoets, who was relegated to 4th position overall because of his actions.

"I had to follow team instructions whatever my relationship is with Marnicq. I felt that I had rode very well and was looking forward to my 7th victory of the season but it was not to be, I won for myself if not on the records," said the no-nonsense Smets.

Vico himself fought hard with newly crowned World Champion Everts for eight laps but the Spaniard broke away and was in a comfortable second position before the switch - for which he later paid tribute to Smets.

"I really appreciate what Joel did for me, I rode hard and was desperate to catch and pass him - then he had to hand over his victory to me," said Vico. "I know how he must feel but I am very happy to have that number # 3 plate for 2003, he made a sacrifice for me and I just want him to know that a applaud him."