Carlos Checa made an immediate impact in the World Championship upon his entry in mid 1993 with the 125cc class. He finished the year in the next class up and remained in the 250cc category until his debut in the premier class mid 1995. . His first 500GP victory came at Catalunya in 1998, ahead of GP legend Mick Doohan. His early days at Honda Pons included his highest ever MotoGP Championship finish, when he achieved fourth overall in 1998. 17 years in Grand Prix racing has seen the Spanish rider back and forth between Honda and Yamaha, plus one with factory Ducati with whom he finished ninth overall.