MotoGP: Top 6 British riders of all-time 

#1 Mike Hailwood

Mike Hailwood

Mike Hailwood, popularly known as 'Mike the Bike' for his ability to seamlessly ride and win races across all categories of engine displacement bikes was a towering force in Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing during the 1960s.

He would later embark on making the switch to four wheels and would participate in Formula One races just like his compatriot John Surtees. And just like Surtees, Hailwood developed a keen interest in bikes and racing from his father - who owned a bike dealership and participated in races pre-World War 2. In 1961, he made history by winning races across 3 categories ( 125cc, 250cc and 500cc classes) in a single week at the Isle of Man TT races.

In 1962, Hailwood signed up for Team MV Agusta and became the first rider to win 4 consecutive 500cc World Championships. He would move to Team Honda and win 4 more Championships (2 each in the 250cc and 350cc classes - in 1966 and 1967).

In 152 starts, he managed 76 wins and 112 podiums. His Isle of Man TT racing career was also exemplary - he won a total of 12 races across categories and finished on top of the podium 19 times.