MotoGP: Top 6 British riders of all-time 

Arjun
Cal Crutchlow - the only British rider on the grid in the 2019 MotoGP season
Cal Crutchlow - the only British rider on the grid in the 2019 MotoGP season

#4 Leslie Graham

Leslie Graham - Motorcycle Racing's first ever 500cc World Champion
Leslie Graham - Motorcycle Racing's first ever 500cc World Champion

A pilot commissioned in the Royal Air Force of United Kingdom during World War 2, Leslie Graham was passionate about racing from a very young age. During the War, he was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant and was bestowed upon the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery during the World War.

Following the war, Leslie Graham started to pursue racing full-time and took part in the Isle of Man TT races. His name would later be etched in the record books as the first ever MotoGP 500 World Champion. A feat he would achieve in the inaugural MotoGP season of 1949.


#3 Geoff Duke

Geoff Duke and Gilera Racing Team crew
Geoff Duke and Gilera Racing Team crew

Just like Leslie Graham, Geoff Duke too had a connection with the Armed Forces. He was a member of the Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team (White Helmets) who were required to perform motorcycle stunts and acrobatics for the public.

Not only is Duke a legend in Grand Prix of Motorcycle racing, but he has also attained legendary status in the Isle of Man TT races. Including both Junior TT and Senior TT races, Duke has won a total of 6 Isle of Man TT races.

As a member of Team Gilera (now a wholly owned subsidiary of Piaggio), Duke won successive World Championships - 2 in the 350cc class (1951 and 1952), 4 in the 500cc class ( 1951, 1953, 1954 and 1955). With 33 wins and 50 podium finishes from 89 races, he wound up his motorcycle racing career in 1959.

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Edited by Debjyoti Samanta
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