There have been great seasons in the history of Grands Prix. But clashes like 1989 can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Three titans clashing over one year. Three absolute legends who wage war, sometimes at a distance, sometimes up close.
It all starts from an unforeseen decision. A decision that can change a destiny. Eddie Lawson, three-time world champion on Yamaha, decides to leave the brand. This shocking announcement can be explained in different ways; Lawson feels betrayed by Giacomo Agostini, director of the Yamaha Marlboro Team. The latter put pressure on his pilot, and threatened not to pay him as much as in 1988 when “Steady Eddie” had brought him the title.
Lawson no longer wanted to evolve in this environment, and moreover prove to his rival Wayne Gardner that he could beat him on the same bike. It is only natural that a meeting with the legend Erv Kanemoto is organized in order to try to find a compromise at Honda. As a result, he agrees to be paid less than in the red and white for a gold handlebar on a formidable NSR500.
Suffice to say that Honda is not kidding. With Lawson in the Kanemoto–Rothmans team, and the Wayne Gardner – Mick Doohan pair within HRC–Rothmans, the intentions are clear. At Yamaha, the loss of Lawson is compensated by the return of an aging Freddie Spencer and the arrival of Niall Mackenzie. Yamaha is banking on its Roberts team, made up of rough diamond Wayne Rainey and Kevin Magee. With John Kocinski and Christian Sarron in the background, the in-tune firm can boast of a strong workforce.
A third contender for the title appears dangerous on paper: the talented Kevin Schwantz (still very irregular), accompanied by Ron Haslam on Suzuki RGV500s. Add a background of rivalry, a handful of three different brands and legendary names, and you have an anthology season.
No warm-up. No increase in power. The first Grand Prix of the season is one of the most beautiful battles our sport has ever known. At Suzuka, the battle rages. Rainey and Schwantz pass, pass again and put a boulevard at Lawson, more than 30 seconds away.
The two are like on another planet, time is suspended. But Rainey said he didn't see the lap count, and fumed when he saw Schwantz celebrating when he thought there was still one left.
A second rivalry is mixed into this season. Gardner was not the happiest when he saw Lawson (third) take five seconds from him on equal motos, even though it was only his first race with Honda. The second round in Australia, on the land of the “Crocodile”, is also a classic.
Rainey and Schwantz got off to a very good start, but the No. 34 Suzuki went highside and leave Rainey alone. At least, not for long. Gardner is in a trance. The battle between them is exceptional, rare, bordering on the rules. Wayne Gardner almost falls, biting the side of both wheels, but the “Wild One” is not made of the same stuff as us. With composure, he managed to pass Rainey in the first corner, considered one of the most dangerous in the world. Under the eyes of amazed spectators, born killers, surgeons who act with extraordinary precision, rub shoulders. The pilots touch each other, but apologize with a simple wave of the hand.
Our national Christian Sarron joins the battle, but the local is too loud. Rainey is beaten on the line for the second time in a row but has nothing to be ashamed of. The latter will nevertheless complain about the borderline behavior of the Australian, who did not hesitate to get stuck in dangerous places.
Not everything goes as planned for Wayne Gardner. This great victory was quickly erased by a nasty crash at Laguna Seca, a Grand Prix later. This volume inflicted a serious leg injury, which caused him to miss five rounds. A big contender for the title has just left the round. Especially since Rainey confirms his incredible form, and takes his first victory of the year, the second of his young career.
Under tension, this start to the season is marked by rivalries at all levels, as well as the exceptional level of Wayne Rainey. The latter, although beaten twice, seems to be the favorite to take the world crown after three races. But don't sell the skins of American bears before killing them...