The world of MotoGP has witnessed many riders from different nations, pushing the limits of speed and showcasing their skills. Among these riders, one stands out as the last Czech rider to compete in MotoGP: Karel Abraham. As we take a closer look at his career for this Throwback Thursday, we will remember his highs, lows, and legacy.

Early Days and Entry into MotoGP

Born on January 2, 1990, in Brno, Czech Republic, Karel Abraham’s path into MotoGP was almost written in the stars. His father, Karel Abraham Sr., owned the Brno Circuit, a cornerstone of Czech motorsport. Growing up, young Abraham naturally gravitated toward the world of motorcycles.

Abraham debuted in the 125cc class in 2005, from where he progressed to the 250cc and Moto2 categories. Though his performance in the lower classes was modest, he achieved a notable victory in Moto2 at Valencia in 2010. This triumph secured him a seat in MotoGP for the 2011 season, riding a Ducati for the Cardion AB Motoracing team, a team run by his father.

Premier Class

Karel Abraham’s arrival in MotoGP coincided with one of the most competitive eras in recent history. Racing against legends like Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner, and Jorge Lorenzo posed a significant challenge. Abraham struggled to achieve consistent results at first, with his performances often affected by injuries and the limitations of his bike.

Despite these struggles, he achieved some notable moments, including a career-best 7th place finish at Jerez in 2011. Abraham became known for his determination, which endeared him to fans worldwide. However, critics often questioned his presence in the premier class, attributing his seat to financial backing rather than his performance.

Switching Teams

Over his MotoGP career, Abraham rode for various teams, including Cardion AB Motoracing, Aspar Team, and Avintia Racing. His time in the premier class saw him ride Ducati, ART, and Honda machinery. The constant team and bike changes made it more difficult for Abraham to achieve consistent results.

By the end of the 2018 season, Abraham’s performances began to decline, and rumors about his exit started to emerge. His final season was in 2019, riding a Ducati for the Reale Avintia Racing team. Despite his best efforts, the results did not come, and he retired at the end of the year, marking the end of an era for Czech representation in MotoGP.

Beyond MotoGP

 Since stepping away from MotoGP, Karel Abraham has remained connected to the racing world. He transitioned to the Superbike World Championship in 2016, joining Milwaukee BMW. Additionally, he earned a law degree, passing his university graduation exams in law at Jošt Academy shortly after racing at the bwin Czech Republic Grand Prix. He occasionally participates in motorsport events and focuses on his personal life. His insights into the sport, gained through years of competing, make him a valuable ambassador for Czech motorsport.