Shinja Nakano

A look at some of the classic rivalries from motorcycle racing's premier class, MotoGP, including the ongoing battle between Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi. Also features Schwantz vs Rainey, Doohan vs Criville and Nakano vs Jacque.

When the 2008 MotoGP season burst into action, it had been two years since Valentino Rossi had ruled as the World Champion - both 'The Doctor' and his Yamaha team had had enough of being second best. The second year of the 800cc era saw the tables turned, as Rossi imposed his speed, skill and personality on the championship. He emerged triumphant, dominating 2007 World Champion Casey Stoner and the rest of the 18-strong field as he raced to victory after victory, and yet another World Championship. Throw in the added spice of four ultra-quick rookies with a total of five World Championships between them - Jorge Lorenzo, James Toseland, Andrea Dovizioso and Alex de Angelis - and MotoGP 2008 took motorcycle racing to a new level.