It was teased as MotoGP Iconic and in the stunning Teatro Amintore Galli in Rimini on Thursday, all was revealed. The biggest names in the history of MotoGP were gathered together – with 23 MotoGP World Championships and over 300 MotoGP victories just in the theatre – to celebrate the legacy of the sport and look ahead to its future. A new Hall of Fame, a new trophy design, and three new MotoGP Legends were all revealed on stage in a true night to remember.
Our Legends have all played a pivotal role in the sport’s history, and in making it what it has become. Now, the Hall of Fame adds another layer of recognition for those with the most wins, the most success, and those whose names are synonymous with their era, and MotoGP itself. The late heroes were honoured and inducted first: Umberto Massetti, Geoff Duke, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Phil Read and Barry Sheene, all of whom join the Hall of Fame from its opening night.
And then, it was time to celebrate all those who were able to attend the evening or send their messages to the ceremony. Beginning with Giacomo Agostini, eight-time World Champion with 68 wins. Kenny Roberts, the first American Champion, with three MotoGP crowns. Freddie Spencer, Champion twice in one year and the youngest in MotoGP at the time. Eddie Lawson, Champion with two factories in a glorious run in the 1980s. Wayne Rainey, Champion three times in a row, and his sparring partner Kevin Schwantz – with 25 MotoGP wins and that 1993 crown.
From there, another name emerged: Mick Doohan. The Australian was inducted and sent his best wishes, before another of his countrymen took to the stage – the first rider to win a World Championship with Ducati and another of the most gifted ever to race: Casey Stoner.
112 podiums and 31 MotoGP wins put Dani Pedrosa in the new Hall of Fame, another of the so-called fantastic four. Then it was time to welcome three-time MotoGP Champion Jorge Lorenzo as once bitter rivals turned fellow Hall of Famers.
Finally, the latest to retire – but not actually last to race. The #46. The ceremony came to a close welcoming Valentino Rossi to the stage, celebrating his seven MotoGP World Championships in style – himself playing a key role in making MotoGP iconic.
THE TOWER OF CHAMPIONS: REIMAGINED
A new look for the iconic trophy was also revealed on stage. The Tower of Champions represents the values of the most exciting sport on Earth. The new Tower is an evolution of the previous trophy, bringing it into the faster, forward, fearless era.
The trophy’s ceramic-coated aluminium base supports the “Champions Tower”; a vertical column of stainless steel plaques engraved with the 76 names of every World Champion so far. Each plaque – shaped like a riders’ lean angle – is split into two parts. There’s a matte side with the rider’s name, and a glossy side with the year, bike manufacturer and number.
The trophy is an emblem of MotoGP™ and will be for years to come – with space left for future Champions to leave their own legacy.
THREE NEW LEGENDS
As well as inducting some of the MotoGP Legends into the new Hall of Fame, there was another exciting announcement: three new Legends will also be inducted in 2026.
In honour of their heroics in the top class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, 1949 MotoGP Champion Leslie Graham, 1957 MotoGP Champion Libero Liberati and 1961 MotoGP Champion Gary Hocking will all become MotoGP Legends next season – meaning every MotoGP Champion will take their place as a Legend.
Now, the spotlight will return to the track action at the San Marino GP, with more history just around the corner. The new trophy and the Hall of Fame awaits the stars of today to see who will add their name - or etch it, again, next to another chapter of their own existing legacy.