Valentino Rossi: The Unmatched Legend of the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez
The Spanish Grand Prix, a prestigious event in the MotoGP calendar, has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the legendary figure of Valentino Rossi. With an impressive seven victories at the Jerez circuit, Rossi has set a standard that other riders can only aspire to reach. The next closest competitor, Mick Doohan, has four wins at this venue, while current stars Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia are both on a quest to equal that record in this weekend’s race.
The inaugural Spanish Grand Prix took place at Jerez on April 26, 1987, marking a significant milestone in motorsport history. Over the past 38 years, the Jerez circuit, which officially opened its doors in 1985, has hosted the Spanish GP annually. The total count of MotoGP events held at this iconic track stands at 39, which includes a unique double-header in 2020 when the global pandemic necessitated a reshuffle of the racing calendar. During that summer, French rider Fabio Quartararo triumphed in both races, further solidifying Yamaha’s competitive edge during that challenging season. Notably, this was the only time the Jerez races did not occur in the spring, showcasing the circuit’s adaptability in unprecedented circumstances.
Rossi’s association with the Jerez circuit began in 2001, during the last year of the 500cc World Championship. His first victory launched a remarkable run of success from 2001 to 2003. After making a pivotal switch from Honda to Yamaha in 2004, Rossi faced a narrow defeat to Sete Gibernau. However, the following year, he made a breathtaking overtaking maneuver on Gibernau at the final corner, a moment that is now etched in MotoGP history. This iconic move not only demonstrated Rossi’s incredible skill but also captivated fans and solidified his status in the sport.
Throughout his career, Rossi’s connection to Jerez has been profound. In 2007 and again in 2009, he showcased his dominance at the circuit, but it was a seven-year dry spell before he returned to glory in 2016. That year, he displayed remarkable control in wet conditions, finishing ahead of Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez, further cementing his legacy at Jerez.
Mick Doohan, who ranks second on the Jerez all-time winners list, achieved victories in 1991, 1992, 1994, and 1996. His reign was briefly interrupted in 1993 when Kevin Schwantz claimed victory, and again in 1995 when Alberto Puig, currently the team manager for HRC, took the win. Alex Criville, another Spanish rider, emerged as a formidable competitor, winning three consecutive times from 1997 to 1999.
The rivalry between Doohan and Criville added an extra layer of excitement to the late 1990s at Jerez. One of the most dramatic moments occurred during the 1996 Spanish GP when Criville was leading until an unexpected track invasion by fans forced the race to be halted, handing victory to Doohan. The 1999 race would mark the end of Doohan’s career after a practice crash, making Jerez a significant venue in both triumph and tragedy.
In addition to Criville, several other riders have made their mark at Jerez, with four individuals boasting three wins each. Dani Pedrosa (2008, 2013, 2017) and Jorge Lorenzo (2010, 2011, 2015) are both retired but left lasting impacts on the circuit. Lorenzo’s 2010 victory stands out, as he celebrated by jumping into the circuit’s lake, an act that nearly ended in disaster due to a near-drowning experience.
The current landscape of MotoGP at Jerez features two riders who are eager to add to their win totals: Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia. Marquez first tasted victory at Jerez in 2014, followed by wins in 2018 and 2019, all while riding for Honda. His 2020 season began at Jerez with the first of the pandemic-affected races, but an unfortunate arm injury cut his campaign short.
Since that time, Ducati has dominated Jerez, particularly on race days. The Bologna-based team, which historically had limited success at the circuit with just one win by Loris Capirossi in 2006, has transformed Jerez into a stronghold, with Jack Miller starting a winning streak in 2021. Bagnaia continued this trend with victories in 2022 and 2023, further establishing Ducati’s presence. The thrilling duel between Bagnaia and Marquez in last year’s race remains one of the most memorable moments in recent MotoGP history.
As the Spanish Grand Prix approaches, it marks not only the 40th anniversary of the Jerez circuit but also its 38 years of hosting MotoGP races. This weekend will be the 39th grand prix at this iconic venue, and the focus is once again on Ducati’s leading riders. Both Marquez and Bagnaia are determined to match Doohan’s win tally and inch closer to Rossi’s legendary record at Jerez.
The excitement surrounding the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez continues to grow as fans and riders alike anticipate the action. The legacy of Valentino Rossi looms large, and while the new generation of riders seeks to carve out their own history, the echoes of Rossi’s triumphs create an atmosphere of anticipation and reverence as they take to the track once more. The rich history of the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez is a testament to the enduring allure of MotoGP and the legends who have raced on its asphalt, making it a must-watch event for motorsport enthusiasts around the world.
