Sebastián Porto

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Sebastián Porto (born September 12, 1978, Rafaela, Santa Fe Province) is an Argentine professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer.

Sebas started his racing career at age 11, competing in the mini-motorcycle local circuit. His first international competition was the 125cc Continental Circus race of 1994, and only two years later he won the 250cc European Championship.

In 1999 he finished in 9th place in the Grand Prix world championship riding a Yamaha TZ250, and in 5th position in the 2002 championship, winning the Brazilian Grand Prix in Rio de Janeiro. 2004 was the best year so far for Porto; he finished 2nd in the 250cc world championship, winning 5 Grands Prix and taking several podium positions. In the 2005 season he claimed the Dutch TT at Assen aboard an Aprilia. He also finished second in 2006 Australian Grand Prix, before moving to the Repsol-YPF/Honda team.

Being the most visible exponent of motorcycling in Argentina, he has received all 12 Argentine Olimpia Awards for that sport between 1994 and 2005.

In June of 2006 and in the middle of the season, he surprised everyone with the news of his retirement from motorcycle competition, claiming he had a hard time adjusting to the Honda bike, and that he didn't enjoy his work anymore.

[edit] Titles and achievements

1992 - Argentine Promotional Championship 100cc.
1994 - Argentine Championship 250cc
1995 - Spanish Championship 250cc (Open Ducados)
1996 - European Championship 250cc

1999 - 9th place at the World Motorcycle Championship
2000 - Michel Metraux Trophy for best particular piloto.
2000 - 9th place at the World Motorcycle Championship
2002 - Grand Prix of Rio de Janeiro for the World Motorcycle Championship
2002 - 5th place at the World Motorcycle Championship
2002 - 2nd place at the World Motorcycle Championship
2002 - Grand Prix of Rio de Janeiro for the World Motorcycle Championship
2004 - Five Grand Prix (Czeck Republik, Australia, Qatar, Assen, Italia) and several second and third positions
2005 - Grand Prix of Assen 250cc for the 2005 World Motorcycle Championship