HISTORY OF MOTOGP #1

1. HISTORY OF MOTOGP #1 “The 1949 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season was the inaugural World Championship for motorcycle racing, with all the events held in Europe. There were five classes, 500cc, 350cc, 250cc 125cc and Sidecars. Championship points were awarded to the top five finishers in each race (10, 8, 7, 6, 5) with an extra point for the fastest lap. All rounds counted towards the championship in the 125cc, 250cc and Sidecar categories, while in the 350cc and 500cc championships, only the best three results counted.” "1949 Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing Season." Wikipedia. 5 Mar. 2008. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1949_Grand_Prix_motorcycle_racing_season>.

2. HISTORY OF MOTOGP #1A “A World Championship for motorcycle racing was first organized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) in 1949. The commercial rights are owned by Dorna Sports.” "Moto Grand Prix Racing." Discovering Arizona. 2006. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://www.discoveringarizona.com/MotorcycleRacing.html>.

3. HISTORY OF MOTOGP 1B “Motorcycle racing, as we know it today in the Moto GP form, began its life around 1949, after World War II and was very much Europe-centered. Although there are Moto GP fans around the world now, because of its historical racing roots in Europe, Moto GP remains fairly Europe-centered, even today. In fact, the largest number of Moto GP fans were and still are Italians, where most of the initial technological innovations took place and where many of the great motorcycle drivers originated from.” "Moto GP Racing." Global Motorsport. 2007. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://www.globalmotorsport.net/moto-gp/>.

4. HISTORY OF MOTOGP 1C ” MotoGP, the premier class of GP motorcycle racing, has changed dramatically in recent years. From the mid-1970s until 2002 the top class of GP racing allowed 500 cc with a maximum of 4 cylinders, regardless of whether the engine was a two-stroke or four-stroke. Consequently, all machines were two-strokes, due to the greater power output for a given engine capacity. Some two- and three-cylinder two-stroke 500s were seen, but though they had a minimum-weight advantage under the rules, typically attained higher corner speed and could qualify well, they lacked the power of the four-cylinder machines.” "Moto GP." All About Sport. 2008. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://www.allaboutallsport.com/moto-gp.html>.

5. HISTORY OF MOTOGP 1D “In 2002, rule changes were introduced to facilitate the phasing out of the two strokes, probably influenced by what was then seen as a lack of relevance: the last mass-produced 500 cc 2-stroke model had not been available to the public for some 15 years. The rules permitted manufacturers to choose between running two-strokes engines (500 cc or less) or four-strokes (990 cc or less). Manufacturers were also permitted to employ their choice of engine configuration. Despite the significantly increased costs involved in running the new four-stroke machinery, given their extra 490 cc capacity advantage, the four-strokes were soon able to dominate their two-stroke rivals.” "Moto GP." All About Sport. 2008. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://www.allaboutallsport.com/moto-gp.html>.

6. HISTORY OF MOTOGP 1E “As a result, by 2003 no two-stroke machines remained in the MotoGP field. The 125 cc and 250 cc classes still consist exclusively of two-stroke machines. In 2007, the MotoGP class had its maximum engine displacement capacity reduced to 800 cc. In the smaller classes it is also intended to phase out two strokes from around 2010. The 125 and 250 classes eventually being replaced by 4-strokes of around 400- & 600 cc capacity.” "Moto GP." All About Sport. 2008. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://www.allaboutallsport.com/moto-gp.html>.

7. HISTORY OF MOTOGP 1F “Dorna is the exclusive holder of all commercial and TV rights of the MotoGP World Championship since 1992.” "The Company." Dorna. 2005. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://www.dorna.com/>.

8. HISTORY OF MOTOGP 1G “The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) first organized a World Championship for motorcycle racing in 1949. There have traditionally been several races at each event for various classes of motorcycles based on engine size. Classes for 50 cc, 80 cc, 125 cc, 250 cc, 350 cc, and 500 cc single-seaters have existed over time, and 350 cc and 500 cc sidecars. Up through the 1950s and most of the 1960s, four-stroke engines dominated all classes. In the 1960s, two-stroke engines began to take root in the smaller classes. By the 1970s, two-strokes completely eclipsed the four-strokes. The 50 cc class was replaced by an 80 cc class, then the class was dropped entirely in the 1990s. The 350 cc class vanished in the 1980s. Sidecars were dropped from World Championship events in the 1990s, reducing the field to 125s, 250s, and 500s.” "History of the Sport." MotoGPedia. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Fall06/Levkoff/history.html>.

9. HISTORY OF MOTOGP 1H “In 2002, rule changes permitted manufacturers to choose between running two-strokes engines (500 cc or less) or four-strokes (990 cc or less). The new four-stroke machinery proved to have too many advantages over their two-stroke rivals (up to 250 horsepower), and, as a result, by 2003 no two-stroke machines remained in the MotoGP field. The 125 cc and 250 cc classes still consist exclusively of two-stroke machines. For the 2007 season the capacity of the MotoGP machines has been reduced to 800cc in an attempt by the FIM to limit top speeds and improve safety. Early tests have shown that the 800cc machines do have a slightly slower top speed, but are capable of higher corner speeds than the larger 990cc machines were.” "History of the Sport." MotoGPedia. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Fall06/Levkoff/history.html>.

10. HISTORY OF MOTOGP 1I “The 500cc bikes of the late 1990s and early 2000s were brutal machines. Light, agile, and extremely hard to ride. These machines were brilliant race bikes and made for very entertaining and competitive racing. The FIM, however, decided that a change was needed to improve the quality of the sport. Two-stroke technology had reached a plateau, and the FIM wanted to ensure that Grand Prix racing did not become stagnant.” "History of the Sport." MotoGPedia. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Fall06/Levkoff/history.html>.

11. HISTORY OF MOTOGP 1J “To ensure that there was continual technological evolution, the FIM decided to rewrite the regulations for 2002 and allow 990cc four strokes to compete with the 500cc two strokes. The results were spectacular. The 990cc configuration was immediately competitive and the bikes looked and sounded like the sport bikes available to consumers on the showroom floor. By 2003 there were no 500cc two stroke bikes racing in the MotoGP championship.” "History of the Sport." MotoGPedia. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Fall06/Levkoff/history.html>.

12. HISTORY OF MOTOGP 1K “The decision to alter the regulations for the 500cc class had a very positive effect for motorcyclists. The technologies that are developed for the four stroke race bikes directly apply to road going sport bikes. Current production bikes are easier to ride, have more power, handle better, have better brakes and better tires, and are evolving at an accelerated rate due to advances made in MotoGP racing” "History of the Sport." MotoGPedia. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Fall06/Levkoff/history.html>.

13. GREATEST RIDERS AGOSTINI 2 “Giacomo Agostini is considered perhaps the greatest Grand Prix rider of all time. Over the course of a remarkable career of 17 years, the peerless Agostini won 15 world Grand Prix titles (8 in 500cc and 7 in 350cc), 12 Isle of Man TT crowns, an astonishing 122 Grands Prix, and he rarely ever fell off his machine during all those years. He became motorcycling's first genuine world superstar and, whether riding a 350cc or 500cc, he was nearly always the man to beat whenever he took up his position on the starting grid. In America, Agostini won the Daytona 200 in 1974, bringing unprecedented recognition to the race.” "Giacomo Agostini." The Motorcycle Hall of Fame. 2008. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/hofbiopage.asp?id=112>.

14. GREATEST RIDERS AGOSTINI 2A “Giacomo Agostini (born 16 June1942) is an Italian multi-time world champion Grand Prixmotorcycleroad racer. Nicknamed Ago, he is the all-time leader in victories in motorcycle Grand Prix history.” "Giacomo Agostini." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 14 Mar. 2008. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giacomo_Agostini>.

15. GREATEST RIDERS AGOSTINI 2B “Agostini was born in Lovere, in Lombardy, the son of a wealthy Italian industrialist. His father originally didn't approve of his son's motorcycle racing career. He did everything he could to persuade his son not to race. Agostini would have to steal away to compete, first in hill climb events and then in road racing.Eventually his father came to terms with his racing and he won the 1963 Italian 175cc championship aboard a Morini. He got his break when Morini factory rider, Tarquinio Provini left the team to ride for Benelli. Count Alfonso Morini hired the young Agostini to ride for him. In 1964, Agostini would win the Italian 350cc title and proved his ability by finishing fourth in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.” "Giacomo Agostini." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 14 Mar. 2008. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giacomo_Agostini>.

16. GREATEST RIDERS AGOSTINI 2C “Agostini responded by winning the 500cc title seven years in succession for the Italian factory. He would also win the 350cc title seven times in succession and won 10 Isle of Man TTs. In 1967 he battled Hailwood in one of the most dramatic seasons in Grand Prix history. Each rider had 5 victories before the championship was decided in Agostini's favor at the last race of the season.Practice in 1976 at the Nürburgring with the 350cc MV.Agostini dropped a bombshell on the Grand Prix world when he announced he would never again race at the Isle of Man TT, after the death of his close friend, Gilberto Parlotti during the 1972 TT. He considered the circuit unsafe for world championship competition. At the time, the TT was the most prestigious race on the motorcycling calendar. Other top riders joined his boycott of the event and by 1976, the event was stricken from the Grand Prix schedule.” "Giacomo Agostini." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 14 Mar. 2008. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giacomo_Agostini>.

17. GREATEST RIDERS AGOSTINI 2D “Agostini surprised the racing world when he announced that he would leave MV Agusta to ride for Yamaha in 1974 season. On his first outing for the Japanese factory, he won the prestigious Daytona 200, the premiere American motorcycle race. He went on to claim the 1974 350cc World Championship but injuries and mechanical problems kept him from winning the 500cc crown. He rebounded and won the 1975 500cc title, marking the first time a two-stroke machine won the premier class.The 1975 championship would also be the last world title for the 33 year old Italian.” "Giacomo Agostini." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 14 Mar. 2008. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giacomo_Agostini>.

18. GREATEST RIDERS AGOSTINI 2E “In 1976, he rode both Yamaha and MV bikes in the 500cc class, yet raced only once in the 350cc to win in Assen. For the challenging Nürburgring, he chose the 500cc MV Agusta and took it to victory, winning the last Grand Prix for both himself, the marque and four-stroke engines.He retired from motorcycle competition after finishing 6th in the 1977 season in which he also raced in 750cc endurance races for Yamaha.” "Giacomo Agostini." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 14 Mar. 2008. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giacomo_Agostini>.

19. GREATEST RIDERS AGOSTINI 2F “Granted, racing was less competitive then, with less factory involvement, and the Italian was often the best rider on the best bike. But Ago had to beat legends such as Mike Hailwood, Phil read, and Jim Redman, and in doing so won a record 15 world championships and 122 GP’s. Even more incredibly won seven-straight 500 and 350cc world titles on Count Agusta’s MVs before the onslaught of Japanese two-strokes ended Italian dominance. Catterson, Brian. "Agostini the Desmosedici." Road Racer X Feb. 2008: 60-70.

20. GREATEST RIDERS AGOSTINI 2G “Grand Prix racing was much different then. Races were regularly held on blindingly fast public-road circuits, and the Isle of Man TT was a points-paying round of the world championship until ’76 when Ago led the movement to have it removed from the calendar on safety grounds. Even purpose-built racetracks were faster and more flowing.A lap of Moza used to consist of long straights and fast corners, whereas today it’s dotted with speed-limiting chicanes. So there was more emphasis on high-speed handling and outright top speed than on acceleration and braking, which are the main focal points today.” Catterson, Brian. "Agostini the Desmosedici." Road Racer X Feb. 2008: 60-70.

21. GREATEST RIDERS DOOHAN 3 “BORN4.6.65, Brisbane, Australia LIVESMonaco ROAD RACE DEBUT1984, Surfers Paradise Raceway, Australia 500cc GRAND PRIX DEBUT1989, Suzuka, Japan 500cc GRAND PRIX STARTS137 (1989-99) 500cc GRAND PRIX WINS54 (1st win - 1990 Hungaroring, Hungary) 500cc PODIUM FINISHES95 (1st podium - 3rd, 1989 Hockenheim, Germany) 500cc POLE POSITIONS58 (1st pole position - 1990, Jerez, Spain) 500cc WORLD CHAMPION1994-95-96-97-98 AWARDS/HONOURSOrder of Australia 1996Australian Male Athlete of the Year 1995-96-97Australian Sports Personality of the Year 1998Australian Sports Hall of Fame honour 1994-95-96Nominated World Sports Awards of Century 1999 WORLD RECORDS (all 1997)Most 500cc grand prix wins in season - 12Most 500cc grand prix pole positions in season - 12Most 500cc successive pole positions - 12Most 500cc grand prix points in a season – 340 "Mick Doohan - Profile." Offical Website of Mick Doohan. 2004. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://www.mickdoohan.com.au/>.

22. GREATEST RIDERS DOOHAN 3A 500cc WORLD CHAMPHIONSHIP CAREER (season by season) 1989 Rothmans Honda 9th 1990 Rothmans Honda 3rd 1991 Rothmans Honda 2nd 1992 Rothmans Honda 2nd 1993 Rothmans Honda 4th 1994 Honda Team HRC 1st 1995 Repsol Honda Team HRC 1st 1996 Team Repsol Honda 1st 1997 Team Repsol Honda 1st 1998 Team Repsol Honda 1st 1999 Team Repsol Honda 17th "Mick Doohan - Profile." Offical Website of Mick Doohan. 2004. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://www.mickdoohan.com.au/>.

23. GREATEST RIDERS DOOHAN 3B “Michael "Mick" Sydney Doohan AM born June 4, 1965 (age 42) in Brisbane, Australia, is a former Grand Prixmotorcycleroad racingWorld Champion, who won five consecutive 500 cc World Championships, second only to Giacomo Agostini (though Doohan's feat was basically equaled by Valentino Rossi, who won the final 500 cc GP championship, and the following 4 MotoGP championships, as MotoGP replaced 500 cc GP as the top championship on the world scene). He is considered to be one of the best motorcycle racers in the history of the sport.” "Michael Doohan." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 16 Mar. 2008. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_Doohan>.

24. GREATEST RIDERS DOOHAN 3C “He made his Grand Prix debut for Honda on a 500cc two-stroke motorcycle in 1989. In 1991, he was paired with Wayne Gardner on a Honda RVF750superbike and won the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race. Doohan competed successfully throughout the early 1990s and appeared to be on his way to winning his first world championship when he was seriously injured in a practice crash before the 1992 Dutch TT. He suffered permanent serious damage to his right leg due to medical complications and, at one stage, risked amputation of the leg. At the time, Doohan was 65 points in the lead of the championship, but could not compete for eight weeks after the crash. After an arduous recovery, Doohan returned to racing for the final two races but could not prevent Yamaha rider Wayne Rainey from winning his third consecutive title.” "Michael Doohan." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 16 Mar. 2008. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_Doohan>.

25. GREATEST RIDERS DOOHAN 3D “Throughout 1993 he struggled to regain fitness and the ability to race the Honda at elite level. However, in 1994 he won his first 500 cc World Championship. From then until 1998 he dominated the class, winning five consecutive 500 cc World Championships. In 1997, his most successful year, Doohan won 12 out of 15 races, finishing second in the other three. In June 1996 Doohan was inducted as a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the sport of motor racing.” "Michael Doohan." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 16 Mar. 2008. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_Doohan>.

26. GREATEST RIDERS DOOHAN 3E “Despite up to eight rivals on almost identical Honda motorcycles Doohan's margin of superiority over them was such that in many races Doohan would build a comfortable lead and then ride well within his limits to cruise to victory. Although pure riding skill clearly played a large part in his success, his ability to perfect the suspension and geometry of a racing motorcycle gave him an enormous advantage over his rivals, even though other Honda riders (particularly Doohan's teammates) benefited somewhat from his ability to perfect the bike's handling. It is generally accepted that his development of the Honda throughout the 1990s helped the company to dominate racing for many years. At the time of Doohan's retirement, the Honda had developed into a much better handling machine than it had ever been previously.” "Michael Doohan." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 16 Mar. 2008. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_Doohan>.

27. GREATEST RIDERS DOOHAN 3F “One notable trait of Doohan's post-crash riding style was the use of a hand-operated rear brake developed during 1993. This was operated by a "nudge" bar similar to a personal water craft throttle, but mounted on the left handlebar. Some commentators have argued that this technique offered Doohan an additional advantage in rear brake control, though there was nothing to stop other riders from trying it (and some did). In 1999 Doohan had another accident, this time in qualifying. He again broke his leg and subsequently announced his retirement. He was somewhat unlucky, as his accident rate was far lower than many competitors.” "Michael Doohan." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 16 Mar. 2008. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_Doohan>.

28. GREATEST RIDERS DOOHAN 3G “After his retirement, he worked as a roving adviser to Honda's Grand Prix race effort. At the conclusion of the 2004 season, Doohan and Honda parted company.” "Michael Doohan." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 16 Mar. 2008. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_Doohan>.

29. GREATEST RIDERS DOOHAN 3G • 5 times World Champion 500cc: • 54 GP wins • 58 poles • 95 podiums • 137 GP starts • winning %: 39.454 wins, 137 starts • "Mick Doohan." MotorSM. 2005. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://www.motorsm.com/motorsport/moto/riders/Doohan.asp>.

30. GREATEST RIDERS DOOHAN 3H • “ 2000 • team manager - a new Honda 500 factory team with V Rossi as the lead rider • 2001 • Honda General Manager Racing - overseeing factory riders including the new world champion Valentino Rossi • 2005 • leaves Honda after 15 years (JAN, 2005) • "Mick Doohan." MotorSM. 2005. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://www.motorsm.com/motorsport/moto/riders/Doohan.asp>.

31. GREATEST RIDERS DOOHAN 3I DOOHAN QUOTES "Our sport has come a long way and now it's up to the young guys coming up through to keep it up there." "Not many people get into a sport because they love it and then make a living out of it, but I was lucky enough to do that." "Sports Cards World Tribute to Mick Doohan." 19 Mar. 2008 <http://users.chariot.net.au/~byoung/doohan.htm>.

32. GREATEST RIDERS ROSSI 4 “Valentino Rossi (born February 16, 1979[1] in Urbino) is an Italian professional motorcycle racer and multiple MotoGP World Champion. He is one of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time, with 7 Grand Prix World Championships to his name. In 2006, he narrowly missed an 8th title by scoring a second place in the Championship, and with three races to go in the 2007 season, he lost out again, this time to Australian Casey Stoner. According to Sports Illustrated, Rossi is the 7th highest earning sports personality in the world (2nd outside the United States), earning an estimated $30 million a year.” "Valetino Rossi." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 19 Mar. 2008. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentino_Rossi>.

33. GREATEST RIDERS ROSSI 4A Following his father, Graziano Rossi, Rossi started racing in Grand Prix in 1996 for Aprilia in the 125cc category and won his first World Championship the following year. From there, he moved up to the 250 cc category, again with Aprilia, and won the World Championship in 1999. He won the 500 cc World Championship with Honda in 2001, the MotoGP World Championships (also with Honda) in 2002 and 2003, and continued his streak of back-to-back championships by winning the 2004 and 2005 MotoGP World Championship after leaving Honda to join Yamaha. "Valetino Rossi." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 19 Mar. 2008. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentino_Rossi>.

34. GREATEST RIDERS ROSSI 4B “Rossi had variable success in the 1996 World Championship season, failing to finish five of the season's races and crashing several times. Despite this, in August, he won his first World Championship Grand Prix at Brno in the Czech Republic on an AGVAprilia RS125R. He finished the season in ninth position. Rossi treated it as a learning process and refined his skills enough to completely dominate the 125cc World Championship in the following 1997 season, winning 11 of the 15 races.By 1998, the Aprilia RS250 was reaching its pinnacle and had a formidable team of riders in Valentino Rossi, Loris Capirossi and Tetsuya Harada. But even with a fast bike and experienced championship-winning teammates, Rossi struggled in his first season in 250cc. Rossi considered 1998 the toughest year of his career, due to the persistent pressure to perform that he felt from Aprilia, the media and effectively everyone around him[citation needed]. The death of two of his friends in a car accident also took a toll. Again, he found himself learning the ways of his new bike in the first season, concluding the 1998 250cc season in second place, only three points behind the champion Capirossi. In 1999, however, he won the title, collecting 5 pole positions and 9 wins. "Valetino Rossi." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 19 Mar. 2008. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentino_Rossi>.

35. GREATEST RIDERS ROSSI 4C “Rossi was rewarded in 2000 for his 250cc World Championship by being given a ride with Honda in what was then the ultimate class in World Championship motorcycle racing, 500cc. Jeremy Burgess, had shown him the NSR500 and was convinced that the pairing of it with Rossi would bring nothing but success. Retired 500cc World Champion Mick Doohan, who also had Jeremy Burgess as chief engineer, worked with Rossi as his personal mentor in the first year at Honda. It would also be the first time Rossi would be racing against fierce rival, Max Biaggi. Although the two had never raced against each other, an intense rivalry had developed. It would take nine races before Rossi would win on the Honda, but like his previous seasons in 125 and 250, it was a warm-up to a dominant second season. Rossi finished 2nd to American Kenny Roberts, Jr., with Max Biaggi finishing in 3rd place.Rossi won his first 500cc World Championship in 2001, winning 11 races. It would be the final 500cc season for Rossi and most of the premier class.Also in 2001, Rossi teamed with American rider Colin Edwards for the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race aboard a Honda VTR1000SPW. The pair won the race despite Rossi's lack of experience racing Superbikes.” "Valetino Rossi." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 19 Mar. 2008. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentino_Rossi>.

36. GREATEST RIDERS ROSSI 4D “2001 was the final year of the 500 cc World Championship; the 500 cc giving way to the newly created MotoGP class. 2002 was the inaugural year for the MotoGP bikes and with all riders experiencing the same teething problems getting used to the new bikes (or dealing with the inferior 500 cc bikes), Rossi won the first race went on to win 8 of the first 9 races of the season, eventually claiming 11 victories in total.” "Valetino Rossi." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 19 Mar. 2008. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentino_Rossi>.

37. GREATEST RIDERS ROSSI 4E “It was more of the same in 2003 for Rossi's rivals; Rossi claimed 9 pole positions as well as 9 GP wins to his third consecutive World Championship. The Australian GP at Phillip Island in 2003 is considered to be one of Rossi's greatest career moments due to the unique circumstances in which he claimed victory. After being given a 10-second penalty for overtaking during a yellow flag due to a crash by Ducati rider Troy Bayliss, 1st-place Rossi proceeded to pull away from the rest of the field, eventually finishing more than 15 seconds ahead; more than enough to cancel out the penalty and win the race.” "Valetino Rossi." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 19 Mar. 2008. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentino_Rossi>.

38. GREATEST RACERS ROSSI 4F “Rossi is a very superstitious person and his pre-ride rituals are well known. Prior to riding (whether racing, qualifying, or practice), he will start his personal ritual by stopping at about 2 metres from his bike, bend over and reach his boots (thus the 2004 TV spoiler "Are you ready boots?"). Then, when arriving at his bike, he will crouch down and hold the right-side foot-peg, with his head bowed. It is not known whether he is in silent prayer, if he is getting in the correct frame-of-mind needed to ride, or paying respect to a fellow racer, family member, or friend. He will also be adjusting the fit of his leathers by standing straight up on the foot-pegs, whilst riding the pit-lane before the start of race or practice; this may merely be a matter of comfort, which has become a much-commented upon habit. He also revealed in an interview with MotoGP.com that he always puts one boot on before the other, one glove on before the other, and he always gets on the bike the same way. He also spends time with his bike in the garage the night before a race checking the positions of all the stickers.” "Valetino Rossi." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 19 Mar. 2008. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentino_Rossi>.

39. GREATEST RIDERS ROSSI 4G • “500 cc/MotoGP records:Rossi is second in all time world championship wins with 5 world championships along with Michael Doohan, behind Giacomo Agostini with 8 world championships. • Rossi is second in consecutive world championship wins with 5 consecutive world championships in 2001-2005 along with Michael Doohan with 5 consecutive world championships in 1994-1998, behind Giacomo Agostini with 7 consecutive world championships in 1966-1972. • Rossi is second in all time race wins standings with 61 race wins, behind Giacomo Agostini with 68 race wins. • Rossi is first in all time podiums standings with 99 podiums. • Rossi is second in all time pole positions standings with 39 pole positions, behind Michael Doohan with 58 pole positions. • Rossi is second in all time race fastest laps standings with 51 race fastest laps, behind Giacomo Agostini with 69 race fastest laps. • Rossi is second in most race wins in a season with 11 race wins in 2001, 2002 and 2005 along with Giacomo Agostini, behind Michael Doohan with 12 race wins in 1997. • Rossi is first in most podiums in a season with 16 podiums in 2003 and 2005. • Rossi is third in most pole positions in a season with 9 pole positions in 2003 along with Mick Doohan and Kevin Schwantz, behind Mick Doohan with 12 pole positions in 1997, Wayne Gardner and Freddie Spencer with 10 pole positions in 1987 and 1985 respectively. • Rossi is first in most fastest laps in a season with 12 fastest laps in 2003 • "Valetino Rossi." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 9 July 2007. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentino_Rossi>.

40. GREATEST RIDERS ROSSI 4H • “Overall records:Rossi is fifth in all time world championship wins with 7 world championships along with Phil Read, behind Carlo Ubbiali and Mike Hailwood with 9 world championships, Ángel Nieto with 13 world championships and Giacomo Agostini with 15 world championships. • Rossi is third in all time race wins standings with 87 race wins, behind Giacomo Agostini with 122 race wins and Ángel Nieto with 90 race wins. • Rossi is third in all time podiums standings with 133 podiums, behind Giacomo Agostini with 159 podiums and Ángel Nieto with 139 podiums. • Rossi is third in all time pole positions standings with 49 pole positions, behind Michael Doohan with 58 pole positions and Max Biaggi with 56 pole positions. • Rossi is fourth in all time fastest laps standings with 71 fastest laps, behind Giacomo Agostini with 117 fastest laps, Ángel Nieto with 81 fastest laps and Mike Hailwood with 79 fastest laps. • "Valetino Rossi." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 9 July 2007. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentino_Rossi>.

41. GREATEST RIDERS ROSSI 4I • Other records: • Rossi is the second rider to win consecutive world championships in different manufacturers (2001-2003 with Honda and 2004-2005 with Yamaha along with Eddie Lawson (1988 with Yamaha and 1989 with Honda). • Rossi is the first and only rider to win consecutive races with different manufacturers. He won the final race of 2003 with Honda at Valencia and the first race of 2004 with Yamaha at . • Rossi is the first and only rider to win six consecutive races at his home Grand Prix at Mugello in 2002-2007. • Rossi is the first and only rider to win three races after starting the race from 11th or lower on the grid (British GP 2001, German GP 2006 & Dutch TT 2007). • "Valetino Rossi." Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 9 July 2007. 19 Mar. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentino_Rossi>.

42. GREATEST RIDERS ROSSI 4J “ ‘Have you learned something this season?’ ‘I understand that I have to get used to recognizing when it’s not the moment to try harder than necessary. With this motorcycle, every now and then, you have to know when to be happy with what you have. That’s the lesson that I took from Rio. I wasn’t used to that.” Rossi, Valentino. Interview with Enrico Borghi. Road Racer X Nov. 2004: 78-87.