Two-time 250cc World Champion and one of MotoGP's longest-serving elite competitors — Loris Capirossi competed in Grand Prix motorcycle racing for 20 seasons across multiple classes. His courageous overtaking moves and willingness to race wheel-to-wheel with the fastest riders made him beloved by fans. Won races in four separate decades and his cheerful personality made him one of the paddock's most admired figures even as younger champions overtook him.
Loris Capirossi was born in Bologna, Italy in 1973. He won two 250cc World Championships (1990, 1991). He transitioned to MotoGP and won 29 races across his career with multiple manufacturers. He was involved in a collision at Valencia 2011 with Marco Simoncelli — who died from his injuries — which ended Capirossi's competitive career emotionally. He was known as an extremely clean and respected competitor across two decades of elite racing. He later worked in a safety advisory capacity for MotoGP.
125cc and 250cc World Championships, longevity in MotoGP
How They Played
Aggressive overtaker with exceptional racecraft and consistency
Lasting Impact
One of the most successful Italian riders in motorcycle racing history
250cc World Champion 2x
Career Honours
- 250cc World Champion 2x
- MotoGP wins 29