List Of All Previous World Champions In MotoGP

For over seven decades, the world of motorcycle racing has been the battleground for fearless riders, pushing the limits of speed, agility, and skill. The premier class, formerly known as the 500cc and now as MotoGP, has seen a galaxy of stars rise and fall. From the early pioneers like Leslie Graham to the modern-day heroes like Fabio Quartararo, the journey of the MotoGP World Championship is a tapestry of adrenaline, triumphs, and heartbreaks.

In this article, we present a comprehensive list of all the previous MotoGP World Champions, spanning from 1949 to the present day.

1949: Leslie Graham (United Kingdom) The inaugural MotoGP World Champion rode a United Kingdom AJS to victory, setting the stage for generations of champions to come.

1950: Umberto Masetti (Italy): Masetti, on an Italian Gilera, secured the title with his incredible prowess on the track, laying the foundation for Italian dominance in MotoGP.

1951: Geoff Duke (United Kingdom): Duke, riding a United Kingdom Norton, emerged as the champion with four wins and four podiums, showcasing his remarkable skills.

1952: Umberto Masetti (Italy): Masetti captured his second title, proving his consistency and mastery of the sport.

1953–1957: Geoff Duke (United Kingdom): Duke’s reign continued with four consecutive titles, making him one of the most iconic figures in MotoGP history.

1958–1960: John Surtees (United Kingdom): Surtees embarked on a historic journey, securing three consecutive titles with MV Agusta, solidifying his status as a legend.

1961: Gary Hocking (Rhodesia and Nyasaland): Hocking briefly interrupted Surtees’ reign, showcasing the emergence of new talents.

1962-1965, Mike Hailwood (United Kingdom): Hailwood emerged as a dominant force, capturing four consecutive titles and becoming a true icon of the sport.

1966–1972, Giacomo Agostini (Italy): Agostini’s unparalleled dominance led to seven consecutive titles with MV Agusta, setting records that still stand today.

1973: Phil Read (United Kingdom): Read broke Agostini’s streak with a title, marking a change of guard in MotoGP.

1974: Phil Read (United Kingdom): Read secured his second consecutive title, showcasing his incredible talent.

1975: Giacomo Agostini (Italy): Agostini returned to claim another title, proving that he was still a force to be reckoned with.

1976–1977: Barry Sheene (United Kingdom): Sheene won back-to-back titles, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.

1978–1980: Kenny Roberts (United States): Roberts ushered in a new era, clinching three consecutive titles and introducing American dominance.

1981-1982: Marco Lucchinelli (Italy) and Franco Uncini (Italy): These years saw multiple champions, highlighting the competitiveness of the MotoGP field.

1983: Freddie Spencer (United States) Spencer brought the title back to the U.S. with Honda, showcasing his incredible skills.

1984-1985: Eddie Lawson (United States) and Freddie Spencer (United States): American dominance continued, with Lawson and Spencer sharing titles.

1986: Eddie Lawson (United States) Lawson secured another title, solidifying his status as one of the greats.

1987, Wayne Gardner (Australia): Gardner clinched the title for Honda, showcasing the international nature of MotoGP.

1988–1989: Eddie Lawson (United States): Lawson’s reign continued, proving his consistency and excellence.

1990-1992, Wayne Rainey (United States):Rainey’s Yamaha era began with three consecutive titles, marking a new era for the Japanese manufacturer.

1993-1994: Kevin Schwantz (United States) and Mick Doohan (Australia) Schwantz and Doohan shared titles, creating intense rivalries on the track.

1995–1999, Mick Doohan (Australia): Doohan’s dominance became synonymous with Honda, setting records for consecutive titles.

2000: Kenny Roberts Jr. (United States): Roberts Jr. secured the title for Suzuki, introducing a new chapter in MotoGP history.

2001-2005: Valentino Rossi (Italy): Rossi’s Yamaha era began with five consecutive titles, cementing his status as one of the sport’s greatest riders.

2006: Nicky Hayden (United States): Hayden secured a historic title for Honda, showcasing his determination and skill.

2007-2009: Casey Stoner (Australia) and Valentino Rossi (Italy): Stoner and Rossi shared titles, creating one of the most memorable rivalries in MotoGP history.

2010-2012: Jorge Lorenzo (Spain): Lorenzo’s Yamaha era began with three titles, establishing him as one of the sport’s top riders.

2013-2014, Marc Márquez (Spain): Márquez’s arrival signaled a new era, winning back-to-back titles and setting numerous records.

2015: Jorge Lorenzo (Spain): Lorenzo secured another title in a highly competitive season.

2016, Marc Márquez (Spain) : Márquez continued his dominance, clinching another title for Honda.2017, Marc Márquez (Spain): Márquez secured his sixth title, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s modern legends.

2018, Marc Márquez (Spain): Márquez continued to rewrite the record books, clinching his seventh title.

2019: Marc Márquez (Spain): Márquez secured his eighth title, showcasing his remarkable consistency.

2020: Joan Mir (Spain): Mir’s title marked a breakthrough for Suzuki, ending a long championship drought for the manufacturer.

2021: Fabio Quartararo (France): Quartararo emerged as the champion, marking a new era for French riders in MotoGP.

2022: Francesco Bagnaia (Italy): Bagnaia secured the title, continuing Italy’s tradition of producing world-class riders.

From Leslie Graham’s historic win in 1949 to Francesco Bagnaia’s triumph in 2022, the MotoGP World Championship has seen an incredible evolution.