Rainey recalls golden era as legends return.

The MotoGP paddock at Catalunya was brought to a standstill today by a unique and emotional press conference, which brought together a decade of world champions to reminisce on a golden era of motorcycle racing.

Wayne Rainey (Yamaha - 1990, 1991 and 1992), Kevin Schwantz (Suzuki - 1993), Mick Doohan (Honda - 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998) and Alex Criville (Honda - 1999) dominated the then 500cc class during the 1990s, maintaining a fierce rivalry that provided unforgettable racing for fans all over the world.

"If we ever conceded as much as one tenth to one another it was a disaster," commented Rainey, the last man to win the world championship for Yamaha.
"It was so competitive. It is special to look back on it now, but at the time we were just making history," added the American, whose career was cruelly ended by a Misano accident in 1993.

Meanwhile Schwantz, who battled Rainey throughout his career, was presented with a painting by Team Suzuki to mark his 40th birthday.