The first ever Malaysian Grand Prix at Shah Alam was staged in searing heat but it got even hotter when this final race of the 1991 World Championship got under way. Newly-crowned champion Wayne Rainey and Kevin Schwantz were missing from the starting line after injuring themselves, so John Kocinski (Marlboro Yamaha) saw his chance to head off the Rothmans Hondas of Wayne Gardner and Michael Doohan. The 250 cc class saw Italian Luca Cadalora attempting to crown his magnificent debut season with a victory and engaging in a breathtaking battle with Carlos Cardus. This race goes right down to the wire - the perfect finale to a superb 250 cc season.