Stefan Dörflinger | Photo credits: MotoGP
The MotoGP Hall of Fame is set to gain two more names to its list, because Jorge Martinez Aspar and Stefan Dörflinger have been announced to be named MotoGP Legends this season. The Spanish and the Swiss rider were two of the biggest names in the sport during the 80’s, dominating the 80 cc class.
Dörflinger, probably a name only the most devoted fans of MotoGP know, was a two-time 50 cc world champion in 1982 and 1983, before becoming the first ever 80 cc champion when that displacement came into World Grand Prix racing in 1984. A year later, Stefan Dörflinger successfully defended his world title becoming a two-time 80 cc world champion, getting a total of 4 world titles to his name.
The Swiss rider decided to hang up his leathers and helmet in 1990, finishing his career with 18 race wins.
As for Jorge Martinez Aspar, the Spaniard arrived to the world stage in a time when Dörflinger was already racing at the top, and they shared the racetrack during many years, both in 50 cc and 80 cc. Jorge Martinez Aspar entered World Grand Prix racing in 1982, and in 1986 won his first world title in 80 cc.
In 1987, Aspar did it again in 80 cc, and the following season he successfully defended his title and raced for the first time in 125 cc. Not only he clinched the 80 cc title, but he became 125 cc champion at the same time, splitting his racing season between the two classes and winning no less than 11 races in 125 cc!
Jorge Martinez Aspar kept racing until 1987, and when he decided to retire, he did so with four world titles, raced in 50 cc, 80 cc, 125 cc and 250 cc, and has a record of 37 race wins to his name.
Stefan Dörflinger will be named MotoGP Legend during the German GP, while Jorge Martinez Aspar will have to wait for the last race of the season in Valencia.
The two new MotoGP Legends will join an illustrious list: Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Geoff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hailwood, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Anton Mang, Angel Nieto, Wayne Rainey, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, Jarno Saarinen, Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheene, Marco Simoncelli, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surtees, Carlo Ubbiali, Alex Crivillé, Franco Uncini, Marco Lucchinelli, Randy Mamola, Kork Ballington, Dani Pedrosa and Nicky Hayden.