This year marks a significant milestone for MotoGP. The motorcycle racing World Championship was officially established in 1949, making it 75 years since its inception: the first race was on June 13th, 1949, while on June 17th the 75th anniversary of the first race of the premier class will be celebrated.
Since then, a lot has changed: the categories, the tracks, the riders, riding techniques, motorcycle technology, safety measures. What has always remained is the thrill, passion, speed, and the pursuit of progress and innovation.
Throughout these seven and a half decades, numerous legends have etched their names in the history books. Record-holder Giacomo Agostini, John Surtees, the only person to be a world champion in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1, Valentino Rossi, who redefined MotoGP and expanded its fan base, or Marc Márquez, who more recently set new standards in riding.
Over 75 years, there have been 126 world champions across various categories, with 399 winning riders. A total of 1,015 Grand Prix races have been contested across 3,371 races in 30 different countries. Among the various manufacturers, Honda remains the most successful with 821 victories across different categories.
In the upcoming season starting in March, new records and milestones may be achieved: the 3,400 race will be contested, the possibility of the 400th different race winner at the first round, Márquez potentially becoming just one title away from matching the likes of Rossi, Mike Hailwood, and Carlo Ubbiali if he clinches an eighth championship.