Valentino Rossi and the Honda RC211V winners of the MotoGP world championship for the second year running. In 2002 the Repsol Honda Team trounced its rivals – and wisely decided to reaffirm both rider and bike for the 2003 season, with V. Rossi back in the saddle of the RC211V, flanked by his young team-mate N. Hayden. The bike, although seemingly identical to the previous year’s model, features, in fact, numerous technical modifications: a completely re-designed fairing and saddle, plus new silencer, clutch, side panelling and front and rear mudguards. The 2003 world championship has been a gripping one and the head-to-head duels between Rossi, Biaggi, Gibernau and Capirossi will be remembered for a long time to come. An enthralling championship that has had fans on the edge of their seats all the way to the chequered flag.

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