MotoGP has always been more than just a sport. It is a stage where legends are made, rivalries define eras, and history is written at breakneck speed. On Thursday evening, in the elegant Teatro Amintore Galli in Rimini, that history was celebrated in style as MotoGP officially unveiled its Hall of Fame. Branded as “MotoGP Iconic,” the event lived up to its name, bringing together the biggest names ever to grace the sport. Inside the theatre sat champions past and present, riders whose combined records boast 23 MotoGP World Championships and more than 300 victories — a staggering collection of talent in one room.
It was not just a night of nostalgia but a forward-looking celebration. Fans, riders, and officials were treated to a triple unveiling: the launch of the Hall of Fame, the redesigned Tower of Champions trophy, and the announcement of three new MotoGP Legends to be inducted in 2026.
Honouring the Greats: The MotoGP Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame was created to recognise the men whose names have become synonymous with entire eras of racing. These riders not only won races and titles but also shaped MotoGP into the global phenomenon it is today. The opening chapter of the Hall of Fame paid tribute to several late icons, riders who are no longer with us but whose influence remains timeless.
The inaugural inductees included Umberto Massetti, Italy’s first 500cc Champion; Geoff Duke, Britain’s trailblazer of the 1950s; John Surtees, the only man to win world titles on both two and four wheels; the fearless Mike Hailwood; multiple-time champion Phil Read; and the charismatic Barry Sheene, whose larger-than-life personality made him a household name far beyond the track.
From there, the spotlight shifted to riders who could attend in person or send their messages of support. Giacomo Agostini, the most decorated rider in history with 68 wins and eight titles, led the roll call. He was followed by Kenny Roberts, the first American World Champion whose aggressive style reshaped racing. Freddie Spencer was honoured for his incredible double-title season and youthful rise to glory, while Eddie Lawson was remembered for conquering with two different manufacturers during the 1980s. The Hall also recognised Wayne Rainey, a three-time Champion, alongside his great rival Kevin Schwantz, who famously claimed the 1993 crown.
The celebration continued with Mick Doohan, the dominant force of the 1990s, sending his message from afar before fellow Australian Casey Stoner was celebrated on stage. Stoner, the man who brought Ducati its first World Championship, redefined precision and bravery in the modern era. He was joined by Dani Pedrosa, whose consistency and technical mastery delivered 112 podiums and 31 wins, ensuring his place among MotoGP’s finest.
Soon after, the attention turned to Jorge Lorenzo, a three-time Champion known for his smooth style and intense rivalries. What once was fierce competition with his peers became shared recognition under the banner of the Hall of Fame.
Finally, the ceremony reached its emotional peak with the entrance of Valentino Rossi. The #46, seven-time MotoGP World Champion, is a name etched deeply into the DNA of the sport. Rossi’s presence underscored his unique role in transforming MotoGP into the global spectacle it is today.
The Tower of Champions: A Trophy Reborn
Alongside the Hall of Fame came the unveiling of the new Tower of Champions, MotoGP’s most symbolic piece of silverware. The redesigned trophy honours tradition while embracing evolution, just as the sport itself does.
Crafted with a ceramic-coated aluminium base, the Tower rises as a stainless-steel column featuring plaques engraved with the names of all 76 World Champions to date. Each plaque is inspired by the lean angle of a rider — half matte, etched with the rider’s name, and half glossy, displaying the year, manufacturer, and race number.
The new design is not only an aesthetic update but also a reminder that MotoGP is constantly moving forward. Importantly, space has been left for future champions, ensuring that today’s stars and tomorrow’s talents will add their names to this ever-growing monument to excellence.
Looking Ahead: Three New Legends in 2026
The evening did not just celebrate the past — it also promised more history to come. It was confirmed that three more names would be added to the Hall of Fame in 2026:
- Leslie Graham, winner of the very first MotoGP World Championship in 1949.
- Libero Liberati, Italy’s 1957 Champion, remembered for his fierce competitiveness.
- Gary Hocking, who claimed the 1961 crown and remains a symbol of speed and bravery.
Their induction ensures that every MotoGP Champion, from the sport’s origins to the present day, will now be honoured as a Legend.
Back to the Track
As the curtain closed on a glittering evening in Rimini, the focus returned to the circuit. The San Marino Grand Prix looms, where the current generation of riders will chase glory and perhaps one day carve their own place in the Hall of Fame. With the new Tower of Champions awaiting its next engraving, and the Hall of Fame standing as a permanent tribute to greatness, MotoGP has taken a decisive step in celebrating its past while embracing its future.
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