Valentino Rossi confirmed his reputation as one of the greatest motorcycle racers in history when he won his third World Championship in 2003. Rossi is the eighth rider in the 54-year-old history of the sport to win three or more consecutive titles in the premier class.
The others were Geoff Duke, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, Kenny Roberts, Wayne Rainey and Mick Doohan. At just 24, the Italian has now won the 125cc, 250cc, 500cc and MotoGP World Championships. He has won 50 Grand Prix since he first raced as a 16-year old in 1996.