Loris Capirossi is now officially a MotoGP Legend! The popular Italian took his place in the history books in Misano on Saturday as MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta presented him with his Legend medal in front of his family, friends and colleagues.

Across all classes, Capirossi made 328 starts, taking 29 GP wins (8 in 125cc, 12 in 250cc and 9 in MotoGP). He has 99 podiums, 41 pole positions and three titles, and is the youngest Grand Prix World Champion after taking the 1990 125cc world title aged 17 years and 165 days old. Pedro Acosta was crowned in 2021 aged 17 years and 166 days old, just one day older. For more than three decades, Capirossi was also the last rider to take the title in his rookie season in 125cc/Moto3 – until Acosta.

Capirossi gave Ducati their first MotoGP win at the 2003 Catalan GP in the Italian manufacturer’s debut MotoGP season. It was Ducati’s first GP win in any class since Mike Hailwood’s victory in 125cc at the 1959 Ulster GP.

He has won with three different manufacturers in MotoGP: Yamaha, Honda and Ducati - one of only five riders to achieve the feat along with Mike Hailwood, Randy Mamola, Eddie Lawson and Maverick Viñales. He has taken podiums with four: Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and Suzuki.

The 17 years 49 days between his maiden win, in 125cc at the 1990 British GP, and his final one, in MotoGP at the 2007 Japanese GP, gives him the second longest winning career, only surpassed by Valentino Rossi (20 years, 311 days).

Capirossi retired at the end of 2011 in Valencia, as the record holder for Grand Prix starts at that time, with 328 across 22 seasons (1990-2011). His iconic #65 has been retired in MotoGP in 2016.

Now, he’s MotoGP’s Race Direction representative and continues to play a vital role in the sport. He’s also one of the paddock’s biggest characters and one of its most popular.

Congratulations, Loris!