MotoGP is a global sports show and the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, consisting in 2005 of 17 events in all five continents, taking place from April to November. In 2004 the total on-site crowd attendance over the course of the year swelled to an overall total of 1.8 million, with an average rise of 10% on the previous season. The average attendance was of 115,000 people at each of the events. Enthusiasm went overboard at the final round in Valencia with an overall attendance of 211,468. Sachsenring and Jerez were the two other events in the season to score over the 200,000 spectators mark for the three days of action.
A GENERATION OF STARS
25-year old Italian Valentino Rossi is the superstar of the current generation of riders. He has won six titles in the last eight years and is presently demonstrating outstanding supremacy in the MotoGP class, which combined with his flamboyant style converts him into one of the world??s sporting heroes. His switch from Honda to Yamaha for 2004 has been the sport??s most dramatic move for several years. Other big names include Sete Gibernau, Max Biaggi, Alex Barros, Kenny Roberts, Carlos Checa, Loris Capirossi, Nicky Hayden, Marco Melandri, Manuel Poggiali, Shinya Nakano, Makoto Tamada, Alex Hofmann, Sebastian Porto and Randy de Puniet. Over the past two seasons this list has been added to by the top riders from World Superbike - Troy Bayliss, Colin Edwards and Shane yrne, who have moved up to test themselves in the top class of two wheel racing.
THE FOUR STROKE REVOLUTION
Since the FIM approved the authorized engine capacity of 4-stroke bikes up to 990cc at the start of the 2002 season, MotoGP has become the undisputed elite category of motorcycle racing. These specially designed prototypes are the most powerful machines in two-wheeled sport, with over 200 horsepower and top speeds of 340 km/h. The most important manufacturers in the world have already committed their efforts to the leading class (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Aprilia, Ducati, Kawasaki), and others are expected to join in the near future. The 250 and 125 class are made up by prototypes or production machines that receive specific modifications to increase their performance and allow them to be competitive in the racing environment.
THE OLDEST MOTORSPORTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The first edition of the FIM World Championship was organised in 1949. With 55 years of history, MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing and the oldest of all motorsports World Championships. Since the early days, the Grand Prix arena has been the stage for competition between the highest performance machines on two wheels, popular manufacturers and the best riders.
RIDERS FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD
The list of participants to each Grand Prix is composed of the permanent riders, nominated for the whole season, and several wildcard entries for local riders at each Grand Prix. Approximately 24 participants enter each MotoGP race, whilst the 125 and 250 classes line up around 30 competitors. The ages of the Grand Prix riders in 2004 range from 39 (Jeremy McWilliams) to the minimum accepted of 15 for the youngsters in 125. Riders from all around the world took part in the 2004 World Championship, including the following countries: Argentina ,Australia, Brazil, Czech Rep. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, San, Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK ,USA.
LEGENDARY NAMES
Legendary names of motorcycle racing that will be linked forever to the history of MotoGP:
RIDERS: Agostini, Hailwood, Doohan, Roberts, Spencer, Rainey, Lawson, Schwantz, Sheene, Nieto.
MANUFACTURERS: MV Agusta, AJS, Harley, Davidson, Norton, Mondial, BSA, Guzzi, Derbi, Honda, Gilera, Yamaha, Suzuki, Ducati, Aprilia, Kawasaki.
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