Ángel Nieto 13 World Championships 1968-1986
13-time world champion and FIM Legend
Ángel Nieto Roldán (25 January 1947 – 3 August 2017) was a Spanish professional Grand Prix motorcycle racer. He was one of the most accomplished motorcycle racers in the history of the sport, winning 13 World Championships and 90 Grand Prix victories in a racing career that spanned twenty-three years from 1964 to 1986, mainly competing in 50cc, 80cc and 125cc displacement classes respectively. His total of 90 Grand Prix victories ranks him fourth only to Giacomo Agostini (122), Valentino Rossi (115) and Marc Márquez (100). In 2011, Nieto was named an FIM Legend for his motorcycling achievements.
Quick Facts
- Rider
- Ángel Nieto
- Nationality
- Spanish
- Total world championships
- 13 (7 × 50 cc / 0.1 L, 6 × 125 cc / 0.1 L)
- Career span
- 1968 – 1986
- First title
- 1969 (50 cc)
- Last title
- 1981 (125 cc)
- Nickname
- El Demonio (The Demon)
Lore & Background
Nieto specialized in racing small displacement bikes such as in the 50 cc, 80 cc and 125 cc classes. He won 13 World Championships and 90 Grand Prix victories. Due to his triskaidekaphobia, he preferred to refer to his championship tally as '12+1'. He retired in 1986 at the age of 39.
Did You Know?
- He operated a Grand Prix team with his son Ángel Nieto Jr. and Emilio Alzamora, who won the 125 cc title.
- The Circuito de Jerez was renamed Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in 2018.
- A documentary called Ángel Nieto: 12+1 was released in 2005.
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