Some wounds never heal, even after decades. In 2019, the death of Jarno Saarinen still leaves a bitter, unfinished taste. A look back at this Nordic legend who revolutionized his sport.
His talent allowed him to quickly rise through the ranks. He managed to convince bankers to finance it, making them believe that he was studying during the year 1970. All while preparing your mounts. Comfortable in small categories, he won his first career victory in 1971 in the 350CC. Also racing in 250CC, he began to make his mark, being spotted and hired by Yamaha. Impressive in speed, he already won this category in 1972 for his third full year in the world. To this day he remains the only Finn crowned with a world title in motorcycle Grand Prix. Legendary.
Phil Read (n°1) ahead of Saarinen (n°22) at the 1972 Dutch Grand Prix. Photo: Fotocollectie Anefo
But in the 350CC category reigns King Ago. The young Jarno Saarinen, rising star; against Agostini, the existing hero: this sounds like a duel for eternity. Despite three grand prizes won in 1972, the step is too high. Finishing second, despite everything, he forced MV Agusta to design a new machine as he represented such a threat. This type of anecdote which does not translate into statistics characterizes Jarno.
At the beginning of 1973, he confirmed. Or rather dominated. He won the first three 250CC races as well as the first two 500CC grand prix, premier category. And in the manner please. He beats the myth Phil Read by 16 seconds at Paul Ricard, first grand prix of the year. In just three grand prix, he becomes a title contender in two categories.
A man who knew how to do everything, he was able to create other legendary moments. One of the best known was undoubtedly the prestigious 200 Daytona 1973 miles, where he won the race on a Yamaha TZ350 against 750CC mounts. He thus became the first European to win this event, and this with a machine with a displacement twice as small.
His driving style, which he perfected over the years through ice racing, was exceptional, raw and rare. His extreme swaying of the hips characterized him, as did his “crooks” from behind. This style was new and its skids jerky, but Kenny Roberts himself said that he was the precursor of sliding driving. When you consider the countless number of drivers Roberts has inspired, you can imagine what Jarno had perfected.
Although possessing an innovative style and described as "on the edge", he was very aware of the danger. He never participated in the Tourist Trophy during his career, and by the time he arrived at Monza in 1973, he was concerned about the safety barriers along the track. The “temple of speed” was still a very fast circuit, without chicanes, and rails had been installed to prevent Formula 1 accidents. This left no margin for error for motorcycle drivers.
However, he had prepared well to beat Agostini on his land, but fate decided otherwise. During the 250cc race the less famous name Renzo Pasolini fell in the Curve Grande, the first corner of the circuit. Without clearing, the motorcycle returns to the track and hits Saarinen. Behind, more than ten pilots are trapped.
The circumstances of the fall of “Paso” are still unclear today: oil would have been on the track after the 350CC race and would not have been properly cleaned by the organizers, although they had been warned by the Australian driver John Dodds . The possibility of tightening Pasolini's Aermacchi, which would have caused the rear wheel to lock, has also been advanced.
The bust in honor of Saarinen in Turku, his birthplace. This pilot marked his time and his country. Photo: Ilka Jukarainen
The world of Grand Prix was plunged into darkness. Two heroes, two personalities had definitely left, without being able to translate their greatest ambitions onto the track. Yamaha withdrew for the remainder of the season in tribute to the Finn, and subsequently, major safety improvements were made. But that in no way takes away this bitterness, this immense sadness, and this regret regarding Saarinen's immense potential.
Without this accident no one, absolutely no one can say what heights this raw talent would have climbed.. But like a star, Jarno shone and then suddenly disappeared, in a fraction of a second. His legacy will shine forever.
