Àlex Crivillé facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Àlex Crivillé
Crivillé in 2016
Nationality	Spanish
Born	(1970-03-04) 4 March 1970 (age 55) Barcelona, Spain
Motorcycle racing career statistics Grand Prix motorcycle racing Active years 1987–2001 First race 1987 80cc Spanish Grand Prix Last race 2001 500cc Brazilian Grand Prix First win 1989 125cc Australian Grand Prix Last win 2000 500cc French Grand Prix Team(s) Derbi, Cobas Rotax, Yamaha, Honda Championships 2 1989: 125cc 1999: 500cc Starts Wins Podiums Poles F. laps Points 193 20 66 12 20 2012

Àlex Crivillé Tapias (born 4 March 1970) is a Spanish former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer. He made history in motorcycle racing. In 1992, he became the first Spanish rider to win a 500cc Grand Prix race. Later, in 1999, he achieved another first for Spain by winning the 500cc World Championship.

Early Life and Racing Start

Àlex Crivillé was born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. He started racing at a young age. In 1985, when he was 14, he won a national series called the Criterium Solo Moto. This was a competition for 75cc Honda streetbikes.

Racing Career Highlights

Àlex Crivillé competed in several different motorcycle racing classes. He started in the 80cc class, then moved to 125cc, 250cc, and finally the top 500cc class.

Starting in 80cc Races (1987-1988)

Crivillé began his international career in the 80cc World Championship. He rode for the Derbi team. In his very first race in Spain in 1987, he finished second and set the fastest lap. This showed everyone he was a talented rider. In 1988, he continued to do well, finishing second in the championship.

Winning the 125cc Championship (1989)

The JJ Cobas bike in which Crivillé won his first ever world championship in the 125cc class in 1989.

In 1989, Crivillé moved to the 125cc class with the JJ Cobas team. This was a great year for him! He won his first Grand Prix race in Australia. He followed that with wins in Spain, Germany, Sweden, and Czechoslovakia. He won a total of five races that year.

Àlex Crivillé became the 125cc World Champion in 1989. This was his first world title.

Moving to 250cc Races (1990-1991)

The JJ Cobas bike that Crivillé rode in the 250cc class in 1991.

After his 125cc success, Crivillé moved up to the 250cc class. He raced for Yamaha in 1990 and then returned to JJ Cobas in 1991. He faced some challenges in this class. He didn't win any races or finish on the podium during these two years.

Success in 500cc Racing (1992-2001)

Crivillé then moved to the most powerful class, the 500cc. He joined the Pons Racing team with Honda in 1992.

First 500cc Win (1992)

Crivillé at the Malaysian and Dutch Grand Prix. He took his first podium and win at both races.

In 1992, Crivillé made history. He won the Dutch Grand Prix, becoming the first Spanish rider to win a 500cc race. This was a huge moment for Spanish motorcycle racing. He finished eighth in the championship that year.

Joining Factory Honda (1994)

Crivillé at the opening round in Australia, where he went on to finish sixth.

In 1994, Àlex Crivillé joined the official Factory Honda team. This was a big step, as he was the first Spanish rider to join this top team. He continued to show his skill, earning several podium finishes.

Winning at Home (1995)

Crivillé at round seven in Assen, where he narrowly lost out on the victory to teammate Mick Doohan.

The 1995 season was exciting. Crivillé had many podium finishes. He won the final race of the season in Europe, which was held at his home track in Barcelona. This was a very special win for him and his fans. He finished fourth in the championship.

Chasing the Title (1996)

Crivillé on the podium at the Austrian race, and battling during the Catalan Grand Prix, where he finished third.

In 1996, Crivillé was a strong contender for the championship. He had many close battles with his teammate, Mick Doohan. Crivillé won two races that year, in Austria and the Czech Republic. He finished second in the championship, showing he was one of the best riders.

Overcoming Injury (1997)

Crivillé on the podium at the Japanese Grand Prix, alongside Repsol Honda compatriots Mick Doohan (center) and Tadayuki Okada (right).

The 1997 season started well with a win in Spain. However, Crivillé had a serious crash during practice in the Netherlands. He injured his hand and had to miss several races. Despite this, he made a strong comeback later in the season, even winning the Australian Grand Prix. He finished fourth in the championship.

More Wins (1998)

Crivillé on the podium at the French Grand Prix, his second victory of the season.

Crivillé continued to be a top rider in 1998. He won two races, in Spain and France. He also had many podium finishes. He ended the season in third place in the championship.

Becoming 500cc World Champion (1999)

Crivillé riding his Repsol Honda in Catalunya, where he outfoxed teammate Tadayuki Okada for the win, and celebrating his world championship title in Rio de Janeiro with his team.

The 1999 season was Crivillé's most successful. After his teammate Mick Doohan had a career-ending crash, the championship was open. Crivillé took advantage of this opportunity. He won six races that year, including four in a row! These wins were in Spain, France, Italy, and Catalonia. He also won in Great Britain and Imola.

At the second-to-last race in Rio de Janeiro, Crivillé secured the 500cc World Championship title. He became the first Spanish rider to win this prestigious championship. This was his second overall world title.

Final Seasons (2000-2001)

After his championship win, Crivillé continued to race for Repsol Honda. In 2000, he won one race in France, which was his last career victory. He faced some challenges with his bike and had several crashes. He finished ninth in the championship.

In 2001, his final year with Repsol Honda, he continued to struggle with his bike. Despite this, he managed to get two podium finishes, including a second place in the Czech Republic. He finished eighth in the championship.

Retirement from Racing

Crivillé being interviewed by the Spanish journalist Olga Viza during the celebration of 20 years of partnership between Repsol and the Factory Honda team in 2014.

In late 2001, Àlex Crivillé announced he was leaving the Repsol Honda team. He was considering his options for the 2002 season. However, he soon revealed that he had some health problems. He explained that he would sometimes temporarily lose consciousness. Doctors advised him to stop racing for a while to rest and get tests.

On May 5, 2002, Crivillé held a press conference. He sadly announced his retirement from motorcycle racing. He said he would have liked to continue, but his health issues made it necessary to stop. He mentioned he wanted to stay involved in the world of bike racing in the future, perhaps in a different role.

Since his retirement, Àlex Crivillé has remained connected to MotoGP. He often attends special events with the Repsol Honda team, celebrating their history and achievements.

Career Statistics Summary

Here's a look at how points were given in Grand Prix motorcycle racing during Crivillé's career:

Points system from 1969 to 1987:

Points system from 1988 to 1992:

Points system from 1993 onwards:

See also

In Spanish: Àlex Crivillé para niños