Who are the most dominant MotoGP racers of all time?

The MotoGP World Championship which started in 1949, is considered one of the most exciting tournaments in the world of Sports. Fans wait with bated breath for an opportunity to witness stunning performances from some of the most exciting sportsmen of all time. The event also known as Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing witnesses motorcycle racers drive bikes with four-stroke engines, across 18 circuits in 13 nations. One is required to be extremely focussed and dedicated in order to excel, which makes it all the more exciting for spectators.

Here’s a look at some of the most dominant Moto GP racers of all time:

Giacomo Agostini: The Italian is considered one of the top MotoGP racers of all time, having registered 122 Grand Prix wins and 17 World Championship titles during his career spanning from 1964 to 1977. Most of these records were registered in the 500cc class of motorcycles. Seven world titles came in the 350cc class of bikes. Agostini is considered one of the legends in the world of MotoGP and serves as an inspiration to all the emerging youngsters.

Valentino Rossi: Rossi is an Italian just like Agostini, and has certainly emerged as another extremely successful sportsman from the nation. The racer has carved a reputation of being a rock star in the world of MotoGP with the excitement, thrill and glamour introduced while at the same time maintaining consistency in performances.

Angel Nieto: Angel Nieto was the first Spanish rider to race in the world championship. He is also the first Spanish world champion. Nieto participated in his first world championship race in 1964, at the age of 17 and never looked back. His final title was registered in 1984, before retiring two years later at the age of 39. In 186 Grand Prix starts, he registered 90 wins which has been bettered only by Agostini and Rossi.

Mike Hailwood: The British racer recorded 76 Grand Prix wins, 112 podium finishes in just 197 Grand Prix appearances, which is an indication of his impact in MotoGP. The nine-times world champion helped Honda register its maiden triumph in the 250cc title in 1961, and enjoys cult status.

Jorge Lorenzo: The MotoGP World Champion enjoys the unique distinction of being the first Spanish racer to win multiple premier class titles. Lorenzo delivered quality performances through thick and thin ever since he started his professional racing career at the age of 15. He will certainly be remembered as one of the most successful Spanish motorcycle racers of all time.

Wayne Rainey: Rainey is arguably the greatest MotoGP racer from the US, with his smooth style of racing and calmness drawing a lot of fans. The American was forced to retire from the sport following an accident in 1993 at the Italian Grand Prix in Misano, which left him permanently paralysed from the chest down. Rainey slid into the gravel trap at high speed, breaking his spine against the surface shattering the hearts of his numerous fans.