With 17 years in the top class of racing, Alex Barros was easily the most experienced rider in MotoGP. Barros began racing scooters in his hometown of Sao Paolo and, after winning the Brazilian 125cc and 250cc Championships, moved to Spain in 1986 and debuted in the 80cc World Championship at age 15. After one campaign in 250s he was recruited by Cagiva to race a 500 and took the first of 4 GP wins in 1993 with Suzuki. After four seasons with Honda Pons, Barros joined Factory Yamaha for 2003 but his season was affected by injury at the first GP. He partnered with Nicky Hayden in 2004 with Factory Honda for one season, moving back to Honda Pons in 2005 then leaving the GP's for one year, returning to in 2007 aboard a Ducati before retiring at the end of the season.