Loris Capirossi

Italian motorcycle racer who won three World Championships across 125cc and 250cc categories, with 29 career wins in Grand Prix racing

Loris Capirossi was born on 4 April 1973 in Castel San Pietro Terme, near Bologna, Italy, and began riding off-road bikes at five before competing in his first speed race at 14 on a modified Honda NS125. Capirossi made his Grand Prix debut in the 125cc class in 1990 with the Polini Honda team, and won the world championship that year at just 17 years and 165 days old, becoming the youngest world champion in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history — a record that still stands. He defended the title successfully in 1991. Capirossi moved to the 250cc class in 1992, and after stints in the premier 500cc category, returned to win a third world title in 250cc in 1998, narrowly denying a young Valentino Rossi. He moved permanently to the top class from 2000, joining Ducati in 2003 and helping deliver the factory's first MotoGP victory since its return to the championship. Capirossi became the first rider in Grand Prix history to start over 300 races, reaching the milestone at the 2010 season-opening Qatar Grand Prix, and retired at the end of 2011 after a 21-year career spanning Honda, Aprilia, Ducati, and Suzuki. He has since served as Safety Advisor to Dorna Sports, the sport's commercial rights holder.

Aggressive overtaker with exceptional racecraft and consistency

One of the most successful Italian riders in motorcycle racing history

• 250cc World Champion 2x
• MotoGP wins 29