In MotoGP, the number 1 plate is a badge of honor, as it’s reserved for the reigning champion. But it also carries a shadowy history—or, as many call it, a curse—that has seen many champions fail while wearing it.

Historic tradition

Martin’s decision means MotoGP will see the #1 plate on the grid for the third consecutive year, a rarity in recent decades. This rekindles a tradition that dominated the 500cc era, where champions proudly displayed the number in the season following their triumph. It’s a shift that brings echoes of a bygone era when riders like Mick Doohan (1995-99) and Alex Criville (2000) made the #1 plate synonymous with excellence.

After Doohan’s era, Kenny Roberts Jr. was the last to carry #1 on a 500cc bike in 2001. With the rise of MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, the tradition began to fade. Rossi, famously tied to his #46, opted to retain his iconic number even after clinching multiple championships, setting a precedent where personal branding often trumped tradition.

Modern era

When riders like Nicky Hayden, Casey Stoner, and Jorge Lorenzo embraced the number 1 plate, none of them successfully defended their crowns. Even Marc Márquez avoided number 1, choosing instead to race with his trademark #93.

It wasn’t until Francesco Bagnaia’s 2023 triumph with number 1 that the curse was broken—at least for a year. Now, with Jorge Martin embracing the plate for 2025, he faces another test. Will Martin’s confidence break the curse, or will history repeat itself?

One thing is clear: the legacy of the number 1 plate adds an extra layer of drama to MotoGP’s high-stakes world.