What Is 1999 British motorcycle Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1999 British motorcycle Grand Prix was a MotoGP race held on August 1, 1999, at Donington Park, won by Kenny Roberts Jr. riding for Suzuki. It was the ninth round of the 1999 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season and marked Roberts Jr.'s first career 500cc victory.

Key Facts

Race held on August 1, 1999, at Donington Park in England
Kenny Roberts Jr. claimed his first 500cc win
Roberts Jr. rode for the Suzuki Grand Prix team
Valentino Rossi finished second in the 250cc class
The event was round nine of the 1999 championship season

Overview

The 1999 British motorcycle Grand Prix was a pivotal event in the 1999 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season, taking place on August 1, 1999, at Donington Park in Leicestershire, England. As the ninth round of the 15-race season, it attracted top riders across multiple classes, including 500cc, 250cc, and 125cc, and featured dramatic performances that reshaped championship standings.

This race is particularly remembered for American rider Kenny Roberts Jr.'s breakthrough victory in the premier 500cc class, marking his first win in the category. The event also showcased rising talent like Valentino Rossi, who continued to build momentum in the 250cc championship, further establishing his reputation as a future MotoGP legend.

Kenny Roberts Jr. won the 500cc race, becoming the first American to win a 500cc Grand Prix since 1993 and ending a long drought for U.S. riders.
The race took place at Donington Park, a historic British circuit that hosted the British Grand Prix from 1987 to 2009 before moving to Silverstone.
Roberts Jr. rode for the Suzuki Grand Prix team, piloting the factory RGV500, a two-stroke 500cc machine powered by a V4 engine.
Valentino Rossi finished second in the 250cc class, behind winner Daijiro Kato, but extended his lead in the 250cc championship standings.
The 1999 season was the final year of the two-stroke 500cc era before MotoGP transitioned to four-stroke 990cc machines in 2002.

500cc Race Highlights

The 500cc class race was the centerpiece of the 1999 British Grand Prix, delivering high drama and historic significance. With changing weather conditions and intense competition, the race tested rider skill and team strategy under pressure, culminating in a landmark result for the Roberts family legacy.

Starting position: Kenny Roberts Jr. started from 11th on the grid but advanced steadily through the field as track conditions evolved.
Weather impact: Light rain during the race created treacherous conditions, forcing teams to choose between wet and dry tires at critical moments.
Leadership change: Mick Doohan led early but crashed out, opening the door for Roberts Jr. to move into contention with 10 laps remaining.
Historic significance: Roberts Jr.'s win made him the first American to win a 500cc race since Wayne Rainey in 1992, ending a six-year gap.
Family legacy: He became the first rider since Freddie Spencer to win a 500cc race as the son of a former world champion (Kenny Roberts Sr.).
Final lap: Roberts Jr. held off a charging Alex Crivillé in the final two laps, winning by just 0.6 seconds after 30 intense laps.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1999 British Grand Prix can be better understood by comparing key results across the three main classes—500cc, 250cc, and 125cc—highlighting standout performances and championship implications.

Class	Winner	Team	Margin of Victory	Championship Impact
500cc	Kenny Roberts Jr.	Suzuki	0.6 seconds	First career win; moved to 4th in standings
250cc	Daijiro Kato	Honda	1.8 seconds	Rossi extended lead to 18 points
125cc	Emilio Alzamora	Honda	2.3 seconds	Alzamora took series lead after this win
500cc Runner-up	Alex Crivillé	Repsol Honda	—	Retained championship lead despite loss
250cc Runner-up	Valentino Rossi	Aprilia	—	Consolidated second place in standings

This comparison underscores how the British Grand Prix influenced multiple championships. While Roberts Jr.'s win was symbolic, Crivillé's consistent performance kept him atop the 500cc standings. In contrast, Rossi's podium in 250cc proved crucial in his eventual title campaign, and Alzamora's 125cc victory marked a turning point in that season's battle.

Why It Matters

The 1999 British motorcycle Grand Prix holds lasting significance in motorsport history, both for individual achievements and broader shifts in the sport’s landscape. It captured a transitional moment in motorcycle racing, bridging the end of the two-stroke era and the rise of new global stars.

End of American drought: Roberts Jr.'s win was the first 500cc victory for an American rider in seven years, reviving U.S. presence in top-tier motorcycle racing.
Legacy moment: As the son of three-time world champion Kenny Roberts Sr., his win reinforced family dynasties in motorsport.
Technical transition: The 1999 season was the last for 500cc two-strokes, making Roberts Jr.'s win one of the final triumphs of that era.
Rossi's rise: Valentino Rossi’s performance signaled his readiness for the premier class, which he entered in 2000 with Honda.
Donington's legacy: The circuit remained a fan favorite for its challenging layout and dramatic weather, hosting the British GP until 2009.
Championship momentum: Results from this race reshaped title battles, particularly in the 250cc and 125cc classes, where consistency began to define contenders.

Ultimately, the 1999 British Grand Prix was more than just a race—it was a milestone that celebrated underdog triumphs, generational shifts, and the evolving nature of motorcycle racing on the world stage.