Season Summary
Mick Doohan and Honda continued to dominate the 500 class with the Australian taking 8 victories and Honda winning all but one race. Simon Crafar winning the British Grand Prix for Yamaha's lone victory. After being shocked by 500 class rookie Max Biaggi's opening round victory in the Japanese Grand Prix, Doohan went on to claim his fifth world championship in as many years, finishing off the season with four consecutive wins.
A controversial finish marked the 250 title race. Aprilia team-mates Tetsuya Harada, Loris Capirossi and Valentino Rossi each went into the final race in Argentina with a chance to win the title. Harada entered the final turn of the final lap in the lead, when his bike was struck from behind by Capirossi's machine, sending both riders off the track. Rossi took the win with Capirossi recovering to finish in second and claiming the title. Afterwards, Aprilia would release Capirossi from his contract.
Kazuto Sakata would win his second 125 title for Aprilia after a tight battle with Tomomi Manako and Marco Melandri.
Read more about this topic: 1998 Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing Season
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