The "balls out" battle between MotoGP's true greats
Senna vs Prost is regularly cited as motorsport's greatest rivalry. But it can easily be argued Rainey vs Schwantz can stake that claim. That rivalry was in full swing during the 1991 500cc season, remembered fondly by both stars 30 years on...
Motorsport.com's Prime content
The best content from Motorsport.com Prime, our subscription service. Subscribe here to get access to all the features.
The rivalry between Wayne Rainey and Kevin Schwantz is legendary in grand prix motorcycle racing history, and the fact that it enthrals so many even today is testament to the staying power of their stories. For fans of two-wheeled racing, it's at least the equal of four-wheeled aficionados' recollections of the Ayrton Senna versus Alain Prost versus Nigel Mansell era.
By the 1991 500cc season, both were established stars on the grand prix scene, and along with Mick Doohan they dominated that year. But the Schwantz/Rainey rivalry was an old one, dating back to their time in the AMA Superbike championship in the US in the mid-1980s.
Share Or Save This Story
Related video
Ducati: COTA MotoGP podium “essential step” for Bastianini
Martin: Bagnaia still MotoGP title favourite in 2024 but fight is wide open
Vinales clutch issue had Aprilia “worried” ahead of Americas MotoGP fightback
How Vinales finally banished his Yamaha MotoGP demons
'Unexpected brake problem' caused Marquez’s crash from COTA MotoGP lead
MotoGP Americas GP: Vinales recovers from 11th to win, Marquez crashes from lead
MotoGP Americas GP: Full Moto2 and Moto3 race results
The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid
Porsche lodges appeal over da Costa's Misano Formula E disqualification
Ricky Taylor looking for redemption at Long Beach
How Senna’s early Pacific GP exit raised his Benetton suspicions
What could have been: When Villeneuve’s shock return thwarted an F1 rookie
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
