Swiss Stefan Dörflinger and Spaniard Jorge “Aspar” Martínez will be inducted into MotoGP Legends Hall of Fame during 2019 season. While the first will become a MotoGP Legend during the Grand Prix of Germany, Martínez will enter the club at the GP of Comunitat Valenciana.
Stefan Dörflinger became 50cc World Champion in 1982 and 1983 and the year after he became the first champion ever of freshly-launched 80cc class, where he even managed to retain the crown the year after. His international racing career lasted from 1973 to 1990. Here’s his reaction to such award, as reported on motogp.com: “I was overwhelmed when I heard the news I was to become a MotoGP Legend. I was very pleased, and very proud to join a group of such illustrious names. When I was racing, my favourite number was the number one. In our time, it was customary to have this number as a World Champion and I was fortunate enough to have that opportunity four times. To now become a Legend, as I said, is overwhelming, and I’m very proud to be in the Hall of Fame.”
Jorge “Aspar” Martinez (starring in the opening photo) debuted in 50cc in 1982 and then he became 80cc World Champion in 1986. While he retained 80cc crown in both 1987 and 1988, the latter year saw the Spaniard becoming also 125cc World Champion, as he scored 9 wins out of 11 races. His career ended in 1997 and then “Aspar” started his own racing business, currently known as Angel Nieto Team. Here are his thoughts, reported on motogp.com: “It’s a great feeling of happiness. It was a big surprise when Carmelo Ezpeleta called me to tell me I was to be named a MotoGP Legend. The news was emotional because it puts me into a group of great riders. In addition, it’s the 40th anniversary of my first race so it’s a lot of good news and great memories all at once. The riders who are named MotoGP Legends are the best in the history of motorcycling and it’s incredible to become part of a group of almost mythical riders with such impressive awards like Angel Nieto, Mick Doohan, Giacomo Agostini, Nicky Hayden and so many others. It’s a feeling of real satisfaction.”
Translated by Alessandro Palma