Arbekov was born on 8 March 1943 in
Podolsk, a city in
Moscow Oblast. He began racing motorcycles in 1956 riding a homemade 125 cc motorcycle. Robert was considered the fastest motocross racer in the world going into the
1965 season but his lackadaisical attitude towards physical fitness training and voracious appetite meant that he didn't always live up to expectations. Although Robert won three Grand Prix races in 1965, his World Championship title defense was marred by crashes, mechanical failures and minor injuries. Arbekov began the
1966 season with a victory at the 250cc Spanish Grand Prix, however he was injured in a serious crash at the second round in France and did not return to health until the 14th round in Russia where he won both heat races. He ended the season in fourth place as Hallman returned from having completed his college degree to win his third World Championship. He repeated his season-opening victory in
1967 by winning the 250cc Spanish Grand Prix but the season was once again dominated by Hallman and Robert as, Arbekov finished the World Championship in fourth place for the second consecutive year. Arbekov's victory at the 1967 250cc Spanish Grand Prix marked the final win of his motocross racing career. ==Career overview==