But Nastro Azzurro was treated as a semi-factory operation ... a rookie for Yamaha’s American division. Podium: winner Valentino Rossi, second place Alex Barros, third place Loris Capirossi ...

A Valentino Rossi record which has stood for 27 years ... riding an Aprilia RS125 for the Nastro Azzurro Aprilia team. It is significant that Rossi won 11 out of a total of 15 races in that ...