Career Highlights

Born in Barcelona on 18th February 1978, Rubén Xaus was introduced to motorcycles from a young age by his father who used to compete in amateur mountain races. Rubén was given his first motorcycle at the age of five, a Montesa 25cc. By the time he was 14-years-old Ruben was ready to start racing dirt-bikes, but his father convinced him to turn his attentions towards road racing and encouraged him to take part in the 125cc Catalan Championship. Desperate to gather experience, he also took part in the 125cc Solo Moto Criterium and that same year he took victory in the 80cc Catalunya Supermoto Championship.

In 1994 he competed in a bigger category for the first time, entering the Open Ducados Supersport series in Spain - finishing in a creditable 17th place before improving to third place the following year. It was also in 1995 that he tackled the FIM Thunderbike trophy and contested four 250cc Grand Prix. Rubén improved his Thunderbike results and finished sixth overall in 1996, moving up to World Supersport in 1997 and taking 12th overall.

Rubén decided to try his luck in the German Pro-Superbike series in 1998. He took sixth place overall, with the clear intention of preparing himself for the World Superbike series. In 1999 he finished fifth in the World Supersport Championship, taking his first ever victory at Misano. The following season his efforts were rewarded by the factory Ducati team, who offered him an official ride in the Supersport class. It was a major opportunity for Rubén to experience the added pressure of riding for a factory team, although he never let it show! He finished seventh that season, taking two victories and moving ever closer to his dream.

After only one season Ducati moved him to the World Superbike series. Rubén rewarded this support by clinching second place behind then-champion Colin Edwards in the opening race of the season. In round two he became the first Spaniard ever to take victory in World Superbike Championship and consistently returned to the podium for the next two years.

Sixth place overall in 2002 was followed by fifteen podiums and seven victories in 2003 before Ruben made his move into the MotoGP World Championship in 2004 as part of the satellite Ducati team. Consistent points-scoring performances and a stunning debut podium at Qatar saw him snap up the 'Rookie of the Year' title and 11th place overall in the championship standings.

Rubén Xaus will form part of the Fortuna Yamaha Team in 2005 and will ride alongside his team-mate and friend Toni Elías as he looks to continue delighting his army of fans with his spectacular riding style.