The Swiss pilot, who made his country shine in the 50s and 60s, died on Thursday March 1 at the age of 88.
Born in Horgen, near Zurich, on September 19, 1929, Luigi Taveri began his career in the 40s as a passenger in his brother's sidecar.
He then arrived in the Motorcycle World Championship and raced in all categories and on several different brands from 1954 to 1966: 50cc, 125cc, 250cc, 350cc and 500cc.
However, it was in 125cc and on Honda that he achieved his greatest success. He was thus titled world champion in 1962, 1964 and 1966.
In addition to his three world titles, he was five times world vice-champion (three times in 125cc, once in 250cc and once in 50cc) and won the title seven other times, finishing on the last step of the final podium ( three times in 125cc, twice in 50cc, once in 350cc and once in 250cc).
During his twelve-year career, he achieved thirty victories and eighty-nine podiums, making him one of the most important drivers of his generation.
We must also add to his record three victories on the Isle of Man in 1962, 1964 and 1965.
He ended his career in 1966, with a victory and in full glory.
Victim of a stroke a few days ago, he passed away on Thursday March 1st surrounded by his loved ones. He was eighty-eight years old.
