A rare group of 19 motorcycle racers have achieved a milestone that defines versatility and skill by winning championships in both MotoGP and World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK). This accomplishment emphasizes not just exceptional speed, but the ability to adapt and excel across two intense and distinct racing disciplines.
Claiming glory in either MotoGP, widely hailed as the sport’s highest level, or WorldSBK is already a significant feat. Yet, managing to triumph in both is an extraordinary challenge realized by only a select few. Intriguingly, none of these 19 riders have ever held both titles simultaneously, underscoring the differing demands and fierce competition unique to each championship.
Icons Who Bridged Two Racing Worlds
Esteemed riders such as Max Biaggi, John Kocinski, Troy Bayliss, Nicky Hayden, and Mick Doohan have left an indelible impact on motorcycle racing by conquering victories in both MotoGP and WorldSBK. Max Biaggi, known as the “Roman Emperor,” dominated the 250cc Grand Prix before transitioning successfully to WorldSBK, where he amassed 21 wins and captured two world titles in 2010 and 2012.
Carlos Checa’s career exemplifies persistence, shifting from modest success in the 500cc class to becoming a formidable WorldSBK champion with 24 wins. His 2011 WorldSBK title earned with Ducati was the fruit of years of dedication. Troy Bayliss, a Ducati legend in Superbikes, famously stunned the MotoGP world with a wildcard victory at Valencia in 2006, proving his extraordinary breadth of talent.
Nicky Hayden, the 2006 MotoGP world champion, later transitioned to WorldSBK and clinched a win at Sepang in 2016, adding another chapter to his celebrated career. Mick Doohan, a dominant figure of the 1990s with 54 wins in 500cc racing and five consecutive world titles, earned three victories in WorldSBK, reinforcing his legendary status primarily in the premier class.
Emerging Talent Expanding the Elite Group
The next generation of racers has contributed to this elite list with competitors like Danilo Petrucci and Andrea Iannone making their presence felt by winning in both championships. Petrucci scored victories in MotoGP at Mugello in 2019 and Le Mans in 2020 before breaking through in WorldSBK during the 2023–24 seasons with Ducati. Iannone, dubbed the “Maniac,” secured a MotoGP win in Austria in 2016 and recently added a WorldSBK victory at Aragón in 2025.
Other distinguished names include Makoto Tamada, Cal Crutchlow, Marco Melandri, John Kocinski, and Ben Spies. Tamada showcased his fearless racing style with wins in both MotoGP and WorldSBK, highlighted by his wildcard triumph at Sugo. Crutchlow exemplified grit and determination, scoring three wins in each championship and also excelling in Supersport. Melandri’s record of five MotoGP wins coupled with 22 WorldSBK victories reflects his consistent high performance across different machines and tracks.
Profiles of Dual Championship Winners
- Max Biaggi: 13 MotoGP/500cc wins and 21 WorldSBK victories, including WorldSBK titles in 2010 and 2012. His reign as the “Roman Emperor” spanned successful careers in both classes.
- Troy Bayliss: Achieved 52 WorldSBK victories with three world titles, and secured one profound MotoGP win in 2006 as a wildcard, underlining his supremacy in Superbikes and impressive crossover ability.
- Carlos Checa: Two wins in MotoGP/500cc races and 24 WorldSBK wins, crowned WorldSBK champion in 2011 after years of perseverance.
- Nicky Hayden: Celebrated for three MotoGP wins and his 2006 MotoGP Championship, complemented by a WorldSBK win at Sepang in 2016, marking his resilience and versatility.
- Mick Doohan: A dominant 500cc era legend with 54 wins and five consecutive championships, supplemented by three WorldSBK victories during a brief stint.
- John Kocinski: One 500cc win, 14 WorldSBK victories, and a WorldSBK championship in 1997, noted for his fiery racing and adaptability.
- Marco Melandri: Five MotoGP wins and 22 WorldSBK wins, renowned for his stylish yet relentless racing ethos.
- Cal Crutchlow: Three wins in MotoGP and three in WorldSBK, establishing himself as a tenacious competitor in both championships.
- Makoto Tamada: Two MotoGP wins and three WorldSBK victories, famed for his aggressive riding style and success in wildcard races.
- Ben Spies: Claimed one MotoGP win at Assen in 2011 and 14 WorldSBK wins, including the WorldSBK championship in 2009 as a rookie, before injury curtailed his career.
- Chris Vermeulen: One MotoGP win in Le Mans 2007 and ten WorldSBK victories, widely regarded as a rain master from Australia.
- Alex Barros: Seven MotoGP/500cc wins along with a WorldSBK win at Imola in 2006, a testament to his longevity and enduring talent.
- Pierfrancesco Chili: One GP win and 17 WorldSBK victories, beloved as a cult hero for his aggressive style and persistence.
- Garry McCoy: Known for spectacular rear-wheel slides, he won three races in MotoGP/500cc and one in WorldSBK.
- Régis Laconi: One MotoGP/500cc win and 11 WorldSBK wins, blending flamboyance with raw speed across events.
- Kevin Magee: One 500cc GP win and several WorldSBK victories including a notable win at Phillip Island in 1991, significant for his transition between championships.
- Marco Lucchinelli: 500cc champion in 1981 with six wins and early WorldSBK successes in the inaugural 1988 season, bridging traditional GP racing with the rise of Superbikes.
- Danilo Petrucci: Two MotoGP wins and ongoing WorldSBK success since 2023, overcoming skeptics and proving his capability in both realms.
- Andrea Iannone: One MotoGP win and one WorldSBK win, exemplifying a journey of redemption and skill across both elite series.
The Unique Significance of This Dual Achievement
These 19 riders embody the ultimate level of versatility and determination in motorcycle racing. By succeeding in both MotoGP and WorldSBK, they have demonstrated the rare ability to adapt to distinct motorcycle setups, racing formats, and highly competitive fields. Their victories are not just personal milestones but reflect a deep mastery of their sport’s multifaceted nature.
In an arena where split-second decisions, physical endurance, and mental resilience dictate success, the accomplishment of these champions stands as a hallmark of motorcycle racing excellence. This exclusive club continues to inspire future generations of riders aiming to conquer both worlds, highlighting that greatness is not confined by category boundaries, but by relentless passion and unwavering perseverance.
As the sport progresses, the achievements of these 19 iconic figures provide a blueprint of adaptability and elite skill for emerging talents eager to follow in their tire tracks.
