Max Biaggi fell in love with motorcycles in 1988 when a friend invited him to ride at the local Vallelunga circuit and his natural talent blossomed as he graduated swiftly through the Italian Sport Production Series, the 125 Italian Championship and the European 250 Championship, which he won in 1991. 1992 marked his arrival in 250 GP with victory in South Africa and fifth place overall. The next six seasons saw Biaggi take 33 pole positions, 29 wins and 4 World Championships. In 1998 he moved to the 500 class, finishing second behind Mick Doohan in his rookie year. After four seasons with Yamaha, Biaggi returned to Honda with Pramac Pons in 2003, finishing third that year and the next. Biaggi joined Factory Honda for his final MotoGP season in 2005.