Kenny Roberts Jnr remains the only second generation rider so far in the history of the World Championship to take the 500cc/MotoGP title.
Son of three-time 500cc World Champion Kenny Roberts Snr, ‘Junior’ as he was affectionately known clinched the 2000 500cc World Championship with two rounds remaining in a tense and nervous weekend at the 2000 Brazilian Grand Prix by finishing sixth for Movistar Suzuki, won by then rookie Valentino Rossi on the Nastro Azzuro Honda.
Roberts would never again challenge for the world championship following his 2000 success and his title defense of 2001 was nothing short of a disaster, dropping to 11th in the standings with just a single podium to his name at a wet Valencia Grand Prix, ironically won by his young Spanish teammate, Sete Gibernau.
Junior’s title remains the last time Suzuki has lifted the ultimate prize in motorcycling, with their previous title won by another American legend, Kevin Schwantz, in 1993.
Check out this great short film by motogp.com reliving that historic weekend for the Roberts family in Rio de Janeiro.
