Gigi Scalvini inherited his passion for motorbikes from his father, who still makes exhausts for a well-known Italian factory where Gigi himself used to work in the off-season. An easygoing rider noted for his ungainly stance and shaven head, Scalvini began racing in 1989 in the Italian Sport Production series. The following year he moved up to the European Championship where he finished second and in 1994 he graduated to Grand Prix in the 125 class. Apart from an unsuccessful season in 250 in '96, the Italian has stayed in 125, with his two race wins coming in 1999.