Six-time World Champion and Sterilgarda Husqvarna team boss Max Biaggi was inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame at Mugello on Friday.

The four time 250cc and twice WorldSBK title-holder officially became a MotoGP Legend at the Italian Grand Prix having amassed a tally of 215 starts, 111 podiums and 42 race victories in the GP paddock before six successful seasons in the Superbike Championship.

Presented by Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and with words from HSH Prince Albert of Monaco, Biaggi received the award in front of friends, family and former colleagues.

"This is a very special day for me,” Biaggi said of the recognition. “First of all, I need to thank Carmelo and Dorna who make this happen because without them nothing was possible and then second I want to say thanks simple to everyone who make this happen.

“All the manufacturers I have worked in the past, starting from Aprilia, Honda, Yamaha and all the people here basically is the one that really support me all the time with different teams, different situations. The good days and the bad days. I’m proud that everybody came, for me this means a lot because the life still go on after racing. I’m proud also that my family that really encouraged me in the bad days to still do it and without never, never give up and they will support me all the time. Today my son and my daughter is here so this is very emotional moment because they can say now ‘Hey, my dad is Legend!’ This is something cool, 20 years ago I don’t even thought about that so as a man this is very important too.

“Last thing, now I’m a team owner I want to thank Husqvarna Sterilgarda who makes this dream come true. So now I use my experience to hopefully create the new riders for the future. Hopefully the champion, who knows.”

When asked to reflect on his success across the years and across the championships there was one era that remains in the Italian’s heart.

“Is very difficult, every single year I have a special bike but if I want to be a little bit romantic, I can say the two stroke because it’s something that is not anymore,” he confirmed. “So let’s say the two-stroke was something special.

“The new riders from the four-stroke era, some they never even tried the two-stroke but when they try, just for curiosity, they get strange feedback but they love it too. So it was a special moment of that era and the two-stroke it will be always in my heart.

“Now also testing the new four-stroke you really understand your ageing, because there is so many things hard on the motorcycle and before it was not even possible. So I will say the two stroke is still in my heart, but also four stroke not so bad.”