After a world champion title with the legendary Ángel Nieto, Simeo Rabasa enters the legend. Thanks to the Spaniard's expertise, Derbi managed to easily win a second title in the 50cc category the following year. Stroke of genius : Nieto crushes everything in his path but fails to do the double in 125cc, failing just a stone's throw from Dieter Braun and his formidable Suzuki.
The Catalan firm's participations also stop at this category. Since the 1970s, Derbi has specialized in very small displacements, an image that still sticks with it today. The Iberian association is on fire. In all, the invincible armada would win three other additional titles, achieving the unthinkable 50cc/125cc double in 1972 before splitting up in 1974. Five crowns, the count is good.
The separation between the two entities was painful, especially for the manufacturer. If Nieto won eight additional titles (!), Derbi gradually stopped its racing program. The smallest of the categories is therefore outrageously dominated by Kreidler, who literally invade the grid.
In 125cc, the step is high and no Spanish rider seems able to compete with Morbidelli or Yamaha. Indeed, a real tradition is taking hold. The vast majority of Derbi pilots throughout history are from the same country. There is no doubt that this particular company allowed the emergence of motor sports in the Iberian Peninsula, which today translates into a great presence at all levels.
The Derbi 80cc with which Manuel Herreros, known as “Champi” won against an army of Krauser in 1989. Photo: peprovira.
Back to the competition, but ten years later.
This is how long we had to wait before seeing a Catalan woman at the forefront again. This coincides with the death of the 50cc, considered too unattractive from an economic point of view.
It was in the 80cc, replacement category, that a young Spaniard named Jorge Martínez revealed himself by winning the 1984 Dutch Grand Prix. This victory was not really expected from a driver who did not had never played a full season.
Increasingly pressing the following year, he brought Derbi back to the top in 1986. The domination was even stronger than during Nieto's time. That same year, two machines were ranked in the first two places, helped by Manuel Herreros in good form.
1987? Seven victories in ten races for the man nicknamed “Aspar”. A real Spanish steamroller, which sweeps up everything in its path. In 1988, it was the cherry: Martínez offered the 80cc and 125cc titles in Catalonia following a season of stratospheric level. These titles are also the last won in the same year: no more drivers will be able to successfully change categories during a weekend.
After celebrating their 32nd victory together, Derbi and “Aspar” separate. This driver/builder duo will forever remain in the annals, counting among the most dominant like the MV Agusta/Ago association.
Martínez's successor was already found, but that will be for next time.
Cover photo: peprovira
