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MotoGP: The Zenith of Motorcycle Racing Photo Gallery

Australian Mick Doohan was part of the golden age of MotoGP racing which saw riders on extremely powerful but difficult to handle V-Four Japanese 2-strokes.

Motorcycle USA takes a look at the sport of Motorcycle Grand Prix, including its history, machinery, riders and teams. Read the full story at MotoGP: The Zenith of Motorcycle Racing.

Riders like Nicky Hayden (#69) had to adapt in 2007 to engine modifications from 990 to 800cc, which led to higher corner speeds, advanced traction control systems and the evolution of tire technology.

Valentino Rossi's Yamaha YZR-M1 motorcycle.

Nicky Hayden currently rides for the Ducati team and is ranked fifth in the 2010 MotoGP World Championship.

The MotoGP series allows only prototype machines which are built for absolute performance and maneuverability. They are the fastest, lightest and most expensive motorcycles in the world.

The Ducati Desmosedici GP10 machine (above) utilizes a 90-degree V-Four engine layout, which reduces both the length and the width of the engine.

In addition to Suzuki’s GSV-R having a 75-degree engine configuration, it also uses pneumatically-controlled valves and a twin-spar aluminum frame.

One of the major stars on the MotoGP circuit is Valentino Rossi (#46), who currently rides for Fiat Yamaha and has won seven 500cc/MotoGP Championships.

The Rizla Suzuki factory team consists of Loris Capirossi (#65), who is the oldest rider on the circuit at 37, and rookie Alvaro Bautista (#19).

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rookie Ben Spies is new to MotoGP and fresh off his title win in World Superbike in 2009.

Italy holds two Motorcycle Grand Prix events each season, with one being at the Mugello circuit pictured above.

During the majority of Giacomo Agostini's (#4) reign, MV Agusta used a a 4-stroke Triple before switching to the updated four-cylinder engine.

In 1984 American Eddie Lawson won his first of four World Championship titles, his first being with Yamaha.