The best British MotoGP riders: Modern-day stars and all-time legends

Britain has produced some of the greatest two-wheeled competitors in history, stretching from the earliest days of motorcycle racing to today’s fiercely competitive MotoGP grid. 

While the championship-winning golden eras of Barry Sheene and Mike Hailwood are as nostalgic as they are inspiring, those who have flown the flag in the most recent iteration of the championship have made just as much of a name for themselves.

Modern era standouts

While a British rider is yet to claim the World Championship crown in the modern MotoGP era, several have left a lasting mark on the sport, be it with their speed, tenacity, or giant-killing performances.

Cal Crutchlow

Leading the charge for most successful modern British riders is Cal Crutchlow. Cal was a no-nonsense competitor and a master of wet conditions who secured the UK’s first MotoGP win in 35 years with his 2016 Czech Grand Prix victory. 

He would go on to win twice more at the premier level, perhaps most famously at Phillip Island where he held off none other than Valentino Rossi to take the 2016 Australian Grand Prix win. 

Throughout his career, Cal earned a reputation as one of the most determined and respected riders on the grid, whose straight-talking character made him a firm favourite among MotoGP fans.

Bradley Smith

Next comes Bradley Smith, a rider renowned for his consistency and technical insight.
Smith’s 2015 season with Tech3 Yamaha remains a standout, where he finished second in the San Marino Grand Prix and didn’t once finish outside the top 10.

That consistency earned him sixth in the championship, outperforming many factory riders along the way.

Scott Redding

Scott Redding’s career has been something of a rollercoaster, beginning with record-breaking success when he became the youngest-ever winner of a Grand Prix race (125cc class). 

Although MotoGP glory ultimately eluded him, Redding was a consistent top-10 threat, finishing on the podium twice and finishing as runner-up in the 2013 Moto2 championship. 

Later, he revitalised his career by claiming the 2019 British Superbike crown at his first attempt and taking the runner-up spot in World Superbike the following year.

Jake Dixon

Jake Dixon is currently Britain’s most exciting MotoGP prospect. 

He’s spent the past eight seasons progressing steadily in Moto2 – with two premier class wildcard appearances in 2021 – and his consistent podium finishes as well as multiple wins apiece in recent years has built momentum towards a possible step up to MotoGP.

Jake started 2025 in fine form, taking two wins from the opening three races. If he continues to perform at the top level this year, he could well be the next British MotoGP rider.

TICKETS: Watch Jake Dixon in action at the 2025 British Grand Prix MotoGP

Legends of the past

Today’s riders follow in the tyre tracks of true British legends, figures whose names are deeply woven into the very fabric of the sport.

Mike Hailwood

Few names in motorcycle racing command the same level of respect as Mike Hailwood. 

With nine world titles and 76 Grand Prix wins across three categories (250cc, 350cc and 500cc) from 1958 to 1967, Hailwood’s smooth style and versatility set him apart. 
Not only that, but Hailwood also claimed a whopping 14 victories at the infamous Isle of Man TT. 

His ability to master lightweight and powerful machinery alike has ensured the Hailwood name is etched into MotoGP folklore.

Barry Sheene

No rider, before or since, has captured the hearts of the British public quite like Barry Sheene did. 

His two 500cc world titles in 1976 and 1977 came during a fiercely competitive era, but it was his charisma and flair that elevated him to national icon status.

His rivalry with Kenny Roberts is the stuff of legend, and could be considered a two-wheeled equivalent of F1’s James Hunt and Nikki Lauda.

John Surtees

And then there’s John Surtees, whose achievements are unrivalled across two and four wheels. 

John won seven Motorcycle world titles across the 350cc and 500cc categories before switching to Formula 1, where he was crowned World Champion in 1964. 

To this day, Surtees is the only individual to win world titles on both two and four wheels. His unique multi-discipline success places him among the greatest motorsport athletes of all time.