Take a look at every premier class World Champion to have raced with the famous #1 over the past three decades
Over the past 30 years, only eight riders have had the honour of defending the greatest prize in motorcycle racing with the #1 emblazoned across the front of their machines. Greats of the sport from Casey Stoner to Jorge Lorenzo to Mick Doohan all opted to race with the famous number and now there’s one more name to add to this elite club: Francesco Bagnaia.
The Ducati Lenovo rider will become the first rider in 11 years to race with it and aims to become the first rider in a quarter of a century to defend their premier class crown with the #1. Not since Mick Doohan in 1998 has a rider managed to successfully defend their title whilst racing with the number 1, but Bagnaia will be hoping to end the 25-year curse.
Take a look at the eight previous World Champions to race with the #1 in the premier class:
CASEY STONER, REPSOL HONDA, 2012
JORGE LORENZO, YAMAHA FACTORY RACING, 2011
CASEY STONER, DUCATI TEAM, 2008
NICKY HAYDEN, REPSOL HONDA, 2007
KENNY ROBERTS JR, TELEFONICA MOVISTAR SUZUKI, 2001
ALEX CRIVILLE, REPSOL HONDA, 2000
MICK DOOHAN, REPSOL HONDA, 1995-1999
KEVIN SCHWANTZ, FACTORY SUZUKI, 1994
WAYNE RAINEY, FACTORY YAMAHA, 1991-1993
