He was undoubtedly one of the best in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Alex Barros is one of all our memories. A look back at the history of a great of this sport, with exceptional longevity.
Contrary to what one might think, Brazil has never been a source of great motorcycling talent. Obviously, Formula 1 was not left out, and Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna et Rubens Barrichello can attest to this.
When he arrived in the 80cc category in 1986, Alex was a sort of UFO, who had to lie about his age because he was so young. At only 15 years old, he has already reached all the national levels, now ready to face the world of the big boys. His debut for
Rieju and Autisa, two now forgotten brands, are discreet to say the least.
It was not until 1989 that Barros made a name for himself, hired by
Venemotos Yamaha (the Venezuelan importer, partner of Johnny Cecotto at the time), in the 250cc category. Following a once again discreet, if not unsuccessful, season (18th overall, four appearances in the top 10), “
Baixinho » shocks the GP planet by immediately switching to 500cc.
Cagiva, in great difficulty, could not find anyone to develop the machine. Barros responded and thus became, at barely 20 years old, the youngest driver to start in the premier category.
Gifted, he exceeded all expectations and managed to climb into the top 5 on numerous occasions during the three years he spent with the reds. In 1992,, he took advantage of the falls and retirements to get on the podium at Assen, a tour de force.
First podium with Crivillé and John Kocinski, good company. Photo: Box Repsol
The Brazilian was far from discreet. Thus, he was hired by Suzuki for the 1993 season, a top team playing to win thanks to the prodigy Kevin Schwantz. The opportunity is double-edged: Thanks to this rise in power, he won his first race at the FIM Grand Prix in Jarama, far ahead of his teammate…world champion.
The comparison is painful. Once again, Alex took advantage of the falls of Luca Cadalora et John Kocinski to establish itself, proving the detractors right, although less vocal than in the era of social networks.
Without a doubt, Alex is one of the most consistent, very difficult to overtake but he lacks that little extra to make the difference on Sunday afternoon. Pole positions are lacking; He has only four in his career, more than 15 years at the highest level.
Did the young prodigy miss the boat? ? In 1995, he returned to Honda and regularly changed teams, finding himself increasingly towards the middle of the grid. Until arriving under the wing of Pons site.
The two men form a strong bond from the start, which gives a lot of confidence to Alex, who is still young. This taste of unfinished business gradually disappeared during the 2000 season, when he scored his first pole and two new victories. Alex finished fourth in the championship, with more panache than before.
The machine is launched. On his NSR500, he is a regular candidate for victory but often has to give way to the new sheriff in town, Valentino Rossi. 2002 is undoubtedly his best year. At the start of the season, Pons was still equipped with a two-stroke machine, but Barros was “doing Barros”, making regular appearances in the top 5.
The RC-211V, Honda's first MotoGP, was only issued to him Motegi, or four races before the end of the championship. It's an instant click. Barros scored four podiums including two victories, presenting himself as a serious candidate for the 2003 title.
Unfortunately, an early move to Yamaha Tech3 and injuries at the start of the season put out the flash in the pan. We would have to wait until 2005 and a return to Pons to observe Barros at his new best. At the age of 35, he won the Portuguese Grand Prix, acclaimed by the crowd.
Barros chasing Nicky Hayden, at Donington in 2005. Photo: Oz
Not satisfied with his overall performance, Alex has desires elsewhere. He spent nearly a hundred thousand euros to finance a season in Superbike, with Klaffi Honda, without much success despite a victory. Thus, he is one of the few to have triumphed in both categories.
The story could have ended there. But Barros is not giving up like that. An offer of Pramac D’Antin in MotoGP do not refuse for this outstanding competitor. On a Ducati GP7, he gives a good impression by playing on par with Loris Capirossi, official for the Italian firm. Our hero even allows himself to ride on the box in Italy in front
Casey Stoner !
37 , it's the right age for retirement.
Barros leaves an immense legacy and many memories. Even today, he is frequently cited as a reference by MotoGP riders, like Pol Espargaro, who has great respect for him. Before Rossi, he was the holder of the majority of longevity records, let's not forget that. Thank you for everything Mr. Barros.
Cover photo: dog4aday
