Old Foes, New Technology

HONDA AND YAMAHA HAVE dominated premier-class Grand Prix racing for the last four decades, winning 33 of the last 36 riders’ world titles and 35 of the last 36 constructors’ titles.

Honda entered the 500-cc class in 1966, contested two seasons, withdrew for a decade, returned in 1979, and have fought for the crown of kings every year since 1983. Yamaha joined the contest in the early 1970s and have never left.

So far, the 500-cc/MotoGP numbers look like this. Honda: 20 riders’ titles and 24 constructors’ titles since 1966. Yamaha: 17