Today marks not only the start of the Monster Energy Catalunya Grand Prix, but also the 70th anniversary of the very first race counting towards the World Championship classification. This was the 350cc race at the Isle of Man TT in 1949, won by Briton Paddy Freddie Frith on a Velocette. Since then, what a long way we have come…
Frith won all five races of the inaugural 350 World Championship and took the title, then retired from racing. The Grahams on AJS were the first world champions over 500, Bruno Ruffo on Moto Guzzi, on 250, and Nello pagani won honors in the 125 category at Mondial.
Here are some facts and statistics covering the history of the sport from those early rounds to date…
So far, 929 Grands Prix have been organized since the start of the World Championship in 1949.
During these events, a total of 3 races have been held since the very first in the Isle of Man in 114.
117 different drivers have won at least one world title in all Grand Prix categories. Giacomo Agostini (15) is followed by Angel grandson (12 + 1), Mike Hailwood (9) Valentino Rossi (9) et carlo ubbiali (9)
In total, 372 different drivers reached the top of the podium in all categories of Grand Prix racing. The driver with the most victories is Giacomo Agostini with 122 victories, followed by Valentino Rossi (115) Angel Nieto (90) Mike Hailwood (76) et Marc Márquez (73)
Of these 372 winners, a total of 111 different drivers have won only one Grand Prix race since 1949, the most recent of which is Danilo Petrucci in Italy this year.
In total, 718 different riders finished on the podium in all solo categories of the Grand Prix. Valentino Rossi is the one having obtained the most podiums with a score of 234, followed by Giacomo Agostini (159) Dani Pedrosa (153) Jorge Lorenzo (152) et Angel Nieto (139)
The winners come from 29 different nations. Italy leads with 811 victories, followed by Spain (609), Great Britain (383), Germany (191), including East and West Germany and of Australia (180).
Since the very first season in 1949, 30 different countries have hosted a Grand Prix race. Spain leads with 400 races contested, followed by Italy (347).
Honda is the most successful manufacturer in the Grand Prix with 776 victories, followed by Yamaha (502), Aprilia (294), MV Agusta (275) and Suzuki (157).
