Biaggi then returned 'home' to Aprilia, with whom he had claimed three of his grand prix titles, to head up the factory's
WSBK comeback with the new RSV4.
A single win in 2009 was followed by ten victories and a first
WSBK crown for Biaggi in 2010. Biaggi then lost his title to
Carlos Checa and Ducati, before winning the 2012 Championship by just half-a-point over Kawasaki's Tom Sykes.
Biaggi, the only rider to have won multiple grand prix and
WSBK titles, claimed 21 wins and 70 podiums in the production Championship. Biaggi joins
Troy Bayliss in retiring as a reigning
WSBK champion.
"Aprilia Racing and the Piaggio Group wish to thank
Max Biaggi on this, the day when he has announced his retirement from racing, for his extraordinary contribution to the world of sports and the Aprilia image," read a statement from the Piaggio Group, parent company of Aprilia.
"From the first championship title he won in 1994 in the 250 class to the Rider and Manufacturer titles won this year on the Aprilia RSV4 in World SBK, Aprilia's history in competitive motorcycling has been inextricably connected to the Max's efforts, winning unforgettable victories and becoming the only Italian rider to have ever triumphed in World Superbike.
"Max won five of his six world titles astride bikes from Noale in addition to winning 41 races and riding his way to 43 podiums: he is without question the most victorious Aprilia rider ever, as well as one of the greatest players in motorcycle sports on a global level.
"The Piaggio Group extends warmest wishes of happiness and success to
Max Biaggi in his personal endeavors and in any new professional activities that he may undertake."
Biaggi hinted that he will continue to have some form of involvement with Aprilia in the future.
Aprilia is now in need of a replacement to partner Eugene Laverty next year, with Sylvain Guintoli linked to the ride.