1996 125cc Class
Valentino Rossi started his Grand Prix racing career in 1996 for Aprilia in the 125cc category on the Aprilia RS125R. Rossi had mixed success in his first season; he suffered numerous crashes and failed to finish five of the season’s races – Rossi crashed out of four races and suffered one mechanical failure. Rossi saw this season as a learning experience and quickly built up his skills and by August 1996 Valentino Rossi secured his first victory at Brno in the Czech Republic. Rossi managed to finish the championship in 9th place with a total of 111 points, collecting two podiums and one pole position during the course of the season.
1996 saw Rossi firmly establish the sun and the moon motifs as a key part of his helmet designs.
1996 Valentino Rossi Helmets
The Sun and Moon Helmet
This is where it all began – the original sun and moon design that Rossi would keep as a persistant theme throughout his career. The sun and moon were used as Rossi stated that they reflected the two sides of his personlality
