Posthumously recognized as a MotoGP Legend, Luigi Taveri was the first Swiss World Champion in MotoGP history. He is the 35th racer regarded as a legend and the second Swiss driver, after Stefan Dorflinger, to acquire this honor. Following the Styrian grand prix in Austria in August 2022, he was formally recognized as a MotoGP Legend.
Taveri made his Grand Prix début in the 1954 season, participating in 250cc and 500cc races. He was born in 1929, not far from Zürich. After continuing in the 250cc division the following year, he transitioned smoothly to the 125cc division. In the opening race of the Spanish Grand Prix at Montjuic, he achieved his maiden victory, and he and MV Agusta placed second overall. Still affiliated with MV Agusta, Luigi Taveri improved upon his second-place showing in the 250 class the following year. He would again place second overall in the 125 class in 1957.
