24 years ago, Valentino Rossi won his only 500cc title

It was October 14th, at the Phillip Island circuit. Valentino Rossi He approached the event on his Honda with a match point to win his first world title. After winning the first three races of the season, he had quickly established himself as the favorite for the title, but seven races later in the same year, he had yet to confirm his position.

And the Italian didn't waste this opportunity. Crossing the checkered flag first, in a duel at the finish with his long-time rival, Max Biaggi, nicknamed 'The Doctor', he claimed his ninth victory of the season and his first title in the big league.

He was then in his third world title, already known for his exploits in the other classes of the world championship. In 125cc, he had signed a record-breaking 1997 season, before taking his hands on a long-awaited title. Promoted to 250cc the following year, it took him two years to earn a second star. A crown that earned him a promotion to the premier class for the 2000 season. A class where Valentino Rossi immediately made his mark. A year after failing to finish second to Kenny Roberts, during his rookie season, the number 46 tasted the joys of lifting the world crown in the premier class. A feat he would repeat six more times during his illustrious career.

To finish on a high note, he also won the final two rounds of the season. The first was at the Sepang circuit (Malaysia), with a comfortable lead over Loris Capirossi. Max Biaggi didn't score a single point. The second was in Rio, ahead of Carlos Checa. His closest rival in the general classification finished third.

Valentino Rossi finished the 2001 season with 325 points, compared to only 219 for Max Biaggi. Third-placed Loris Capirossi had a total of 210 points after the final.

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