Motorsports are popular in Italy and millions tune in to watch the MotoGP, an event that takes place in thirteen countries across the globe, including Italy. Some of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time have come from Italy.
Giacomo Agostini
Not only is Agostini the greatest Italian MotoGP racer, he is also the most successful racer in the world as nobody has equalled his success. His career lasted from 1964 to 1977. During this time, he totalled a staggering 122 Grand Prix wins and won 17 World Championship titles. He is now an ambassador for the MotoGP sport.
Valentino Rossi
Rossi still races today and is widely considered one of the most successful racers ever. He boasts nine Grand Prix World Championships and seven of these are from the premier class. At the beginning of his career, he won two titles at the lower levels. Valentino Rossi is a popular celebrity in Italy as the Italians view him as one of their most exciting athletes.
Marco Simoncelli
Marco Simoncelli was another talented Italian MotoGP racer. His career lasted from 2002 to 2011. In this time, he won 14 races and in 2008 and won the Grand Prix World Championship. He was set for further success before his untimely death in 2011. He was killed on the Sepang International Track during the Malaysian Grand Prix. He came off his bike and was hit by fellow racers Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi. He died from serious head, neck and chest injuries.
Max Biaggi
Massimiliano Biaggi is a well-known Italian motorcycle racing star who was born in Rome. He has competed in many different classes of racing, including 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, MotoGP and Superbike World Championship. Biaggi won the Superbike Championship in both 2010 and 2012. He announced his retirement from motorcycle racing on November 7, 2012.
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