ifteen seasons in Grand Prix racing, two 250cc world titles and a passion for speed that has never faded. Carlos Lavado, world champion in 1983 and 1986, looks back on his racing career alongside his factory 1986 Yamaha YZR250, a motorcycle that holds a special place in his heart.

"It was the only bike I truly enjoyed racing", says the Venezuelan champion, recalling an incredibly light 90 kg prototype that gave him some of his greatest racing memories, despite occasional front-end issues, especially when pushing hard.

Lavado openly admits what he considers his biggest weakness: never knowing when to back off. "Even when I had a big lead, I kept pushing at the same pace. I threw away so many races because of that".

And among today's riders? Lavado particularly admires Marc Marquez, in whom he sees something of himself: "I once told him he reminded me of myself. Even after crashing, he gets back on the bike and keeps pushing, always on the limit".

A racing philosophy that transcends generations, combining talent, instinct and an unstoppable desire to go faster.