Grand Prix motorcycle racing may have been the premier class of motorcycle road racing events for most part of the last century, but the ‘Rossiverse’ created a gravitational pull of its own, sucking fans and interest from across the planet if not the solar system. He’s not just an idol to his followers’, but is a man most MotoGP riders, Formula 1 drivers, rally drivers, and road racers revere. The Doctor’s astonishing achievements over the years’, his incomparable zeal for racing, and unrivalled magnetism makes up a huge part of MotoGP’s heritage, earning the Italian, who is recognized the world over, as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time).
The fairy tale began in 1996, when a skinny, bright-eyed 17-yearold Rossi lined up 13th on the grid in Sepang, Malaysia. Riding Aprilia’s RS125, Rossi earned himself a top 6 finish, catching the eye of the spectators. A series of exhilarating performances followed by his first podium at the Austrian GP, and then a maiden victory at the Czech GP two weeks later, Rossi was making a name for himself as the rider to look out for. But, it was the following year when Rossi ultimately came into his own blowing the competition away to take home the 125cc World Championship, bagging 11 wins in as few as 15 Grand Prix races. Next year, Aprilia promoted him to 250cc, and started the season with three podiums in the opening five races. His first win came at the Dutch GP, where Rossi ignited the rookie’s Championship charge and despite four successive wins; the then 19-year old had to settle for 2nd position in the overall standings, losing out to the much-experienced Loris Capirossi.
This story is from the September 2021 edition of Auto Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2021 edition of Auto Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
50 Shades Of Touring
Building on the core of an already capable iX the xDrive50 brings performance and touring range to BMW's flagship electric SUV
Mercedes EQS SUV To Arrive Later This Year
MERCEDES-BENZ INDIA has big plans for 2024. After achieving its highest-ever sales in 2023, the luxury carmaker has grand plans to introduce 12 new models this year including three electric vehicles and most importantly, the EQS SUV.
A HERO'S TALE: MAVRICK IN THE MAKING
Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturer is now stepping into the world of premium motorcycles and creating waves already
Hero Vida V1 Plus reintroduced in India
HERO MOTOCORP has relaunched the V1 Plus variant of the company’s electric scooter.
Geneva returns to the motor show calendar
The Geneva International Motor Show Is back to Switzerland and Anagh Bhaskar brings you the highlights
Winds of change
Join us on a 10,000km journey with the Mahindra XUV700 across the country as Dipayan Dutta and Dhruv Saxena share stories of extraordinary women who have gone against the grain to fight for what they believe in
Jaw(a)line Adjustment
Can the significantly updated Jawa finally come out as a real contender in the heavily contested 350cc motorcycle space? We took it out for a spin recently to find out
BYD Seal arrives in India
This is the third product from the Chinese automaker, the first two being the Atto 3 electric SUV and eé electric MPV. Abhinav Jakhar takes a closer look at the Seal
The emperor's new clothes
Hyundai has launched the Creta in N Line guise. So what does it offer and why you should get one? We find out
MG Motor's fresh aspirations
The joint venture between MG Motor India and JSW Group has been a long time coming, but it's finally here. SAlC-owned MG has laid out a plan for the future. Abhinav Jakhar brings you all the details