Having covered the first part of the life and career of the legendary Carlo Ubbiali, it is now time to tackle the rest, and the end. After a first world title with Mondial (the pun is not intended), he returned to the firm that saw him born: MV Agusta.
From 1956, the march forward really began. In 250cc, he had a perfect year by winning every race of the season, a feat that few riders throughout history have managed to achieve. The worst part is that he almost did the perfect double but his rival Romolo Ferri on Gilera blocked his way on the Circuit de Solitude in Germany.
In the middle of all this, it should be noted that it was he who made MV Agusta attractive! So, in 1956, the brand attracted one of its greatest legends in the person of John Surtees. The latter swept away the two biggest categories, namely the 350cc and the 500cc. The Ubbiali/Surtees pair is still considered a legendary armada in the history of our sport.
Partly thanks to Carlo Ubbiali, MV Agusta has become a legendary, attractive and renowned brand. Photo: Klaus Nahr.
1957 was the dark year in the career of the native of Bergamo. Absent half the time, he was unable to properly defend his two titles but it was only postponed for '58. If he easily won the 125ccC, Tarquinio Provini won the quarter-liter prize.
MV Agusta is rubbing its hands: the four champion titles are awarded to them. A rare feat. Between the two men, a significant rivalry arose from that day on. In 1958, the confrontation promised to be incredible.
The main Italian firms having withdrawn, only MV Agusta could hope to win. At the end of an incredible exercise, Ubbiali won the two titles under Provini's nose by just two points in 125cc, and twelve in 250cc. Once again, he took advantage of his fantastic, smooth and very calm driving style to get the best of his opponent.
This is what characterized Ubbiali. The star never fell at a time when a bad fall happened very quickly. The “fox” managed to put things into perspective, to give up points in favor of consistency to lift the biggest trophies at the end of the year. His cautious but terribly effective style allowed him to never get hurt in eleven seasons; a feat !
Agostini's arrival at MV Agusta depends largely on Ubbiali's performance. A legend too often forgotten. Photo: Panini.
So 1960 was killed before it even started.
The announcement of Provini's departure to Morini left no room for doubt in the two smallest displacements. Once again, Ubbiali prevailed quietly and decided to retire instantly.
A page was turning. The latter, always very thoughtful, did not want to wait until he hurt himself to stop and decided to do it at his peak. Nine titles and of course, the record at the time. Come on, you want an Ubbialesque statistic? He competed in 74 world championship races.
He reached the podium 68 times. Games are made.
An absolute legend and respected by all, it is therefore a monument which passed away on June 2, 2020. The one who paved the way for Agostini, Hailwood and laid the foundations of the MV Agusta dynasty in Grand Prix. This true enthusiast, still present until recently at specialized events, will never be forgotten.
Cover photo: Klaus Nahr.
