Who are the legends of motorcycling? Is it just the winners of most races or is it something about character and how they leave a lasting memory within the sport and how it can develop in the future. This list captures some of the greats over the years, racers who with determination, courage and skill have brought motorcycling to the position it holds today.
Valentino Rossi; Born in 1979 in Urbino, Italy, burst onto the Grand Prix scene in 1996, taking ninth position in the 125cc class on an Aprilia RS250. The following year he won the class with an 83 point margin, winning 11 out of the 15 races. In 1998 he moved into the 250cc class and finished in second position 3 points behind Loris Capirossi. He won the class, the next year, taking first place in 9 of the races,
In 2000 he moved to Honda and up into the 500cc class, achieving 10 podium positions and finishing behind Kenny Roberts Jr at the end of the Championship. With 11 race wins he took the Championship in 2001, together with a victory in the Suzuka 8 Hours with Colin Edwards.
2002 heralded the arrival of the MotoGP and Rossi, on a 990cc factory RC211V won 11 of the 16 events, with a repeat performance in 2003. A team change to Yamaha in 2004 made his huge following of supporters wonder what would happen next. By the end of the season he had proved that it wasn’t just the superior machine of Honda helping him to win, that he could produce the same result on the untried YZR-M1. Now he is working with Ducati. Together with his number 46 and his celebratory antics as the Doctor he has become a household name all over the world.
Mike Hailwood: Born in England in 1940. His talent became evident early in his career, winning 74 races in his second year of racing. In 1959, at the age of 19, he became, the youngest winner of an international championship race, on a Ducati at the 125cc event in Ireland. In all he won the World Championship 9 times, winning 76 Grand Prix. He was also supreme in The Isle of Man TT races, becoming champion 14 times. Perhaps his name stays in memory for his heroic rescue of a fellow competitor in the car Grand Prix of 1973 in South Africa or because he made a dramatic comeback to the racing scene after an 11 year break and against all odds on a Ducati 900SS proved his status as a TT champion. His final win was in the following year on a Suzuki, proving his riding abilities.
Phil Read: Born in 1939 in Luton, England was the first rider to win all three Grand Prix categories,
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