After two wild-card rides in the 125cc class in 2001, 16-year old Stoner became a full-time GP rider in 2002 in the 250GP class - since when he has set numerous records and milestones:
2002: 250cc Safilo Oxydo LCR Aprilia - 12th in championship
In just his third start Stoner became the youngest ever rider to finish in the top six in a 250cc GP - a record that still stands. His best result of the year was fifth at the Czech GP at Brno.
2003: 125cc Safilo Oxydo LCR Aprilia - 8th in championship
Stoner's second place finish in Germany gave him the record of being the youngest Australian rider to finish on a GP podium. His first win at the final race of the year then made him the youngest ever Australian rider to win a grand prix.
2004: 125cc Red Bull KTM - 5th in championship
Stoner's victory in the Malaysian GP was the first ever for KTM.
2005: 250cc Carrera Sunglasses LCR Aprilia - 2nd in championship
Battled for the title throughout the year finishing on the podium 10 times including 5 victories. His win in Portugal made him the youngest Australian ever to win a 250cc GP.
2006: MotoGP Honda LCR - 8th in championship
In his debut season in MotoGP Stoner became the second youngest rider ever to qualify on pole in the premier-class after Freddie Spencer. Stoner also finished second in only his third race; to become the youngest-ever Australian to stand on the podium in the premier-class.
2007: MotoGP Ducati Marlboro - world champion
Re-wrote the record books by becoming the first rider to win a race and the championship under the new 800cc regulations. This was also the first ever world title for Ducati and the first for a rider using
Bridgestone tyres. Stoner also became the youngest ever Australian to win in the premier-class and the only Australian rider to win GP races in each of the three current classes (125, 250 and MotoGP).
