It's common for a driver to be unable to say why his times are slow, at least compared to his own expectations. Why is he struggling? Why doesn’t he have this “thing” anymore? So many questions that remain mostly unanswered. But have you ever seen a driver fail to explain why he is faster than everyone else? A look back at the mystery surrounding the talent of Alberto “Johnny” Cecotto, former Grand Prix driver.
Nothing is usual with Alberto. First of all his nationality: born in Caracas in Venezuela in 1956 to Italian immigrant parents, he very quickly turned towards speed; naturally, he follows in the footsteps of a former national champion father. But as soon as he lands on a two-wheeler, something happens. An unusual phenomenon. He has absolutely crazy speed, without really understanding why.
So, and quite naturally, he started competing. Touch. He hits the mark very quickly, which impresses the locals: at only 17 years old, he is already champion of Venezuela. While he was stacking national and continental titles, he was hired by the Venezuelan importer Yamaha to participate in the legendary Daytona 200.
On an original Yamaha TZ700, and with little material support from his Venemotos team, he managed to qualify among the best. But a mechanical problem – which ultimately wasn't a problem – just before the start forced him to start from the pits. At that moment, one of the most impressive feats in the history of motorcycle racing began.
Johnny Cecotto, barely a year after his arrival in the world, cannot do it in 500cc. However, it still has some good leftovers in its favorite category, the 350cc. Here photographed by spurzem at the Nürbürgring. he will finish second.
Starting dead last, he moved up the majority of the pack in just a few laps. His pace continues to increase and in front of a stunned audience, he has the luxury of overtaking Giacomo Agostini on the 50th lap! Hardly believable. He still finished in third place in this crazy race. Barely a few months later, this UFO joined the old continent in pursuit of success.
Loyal to Venemotos–Yamaha, they entered with him for the 250cc and 350cc championship in 1975. For the first race of the season, at Le Castellet, Johnny won in both categories at only 19 years old, a huge feat.
Despite another victory in Belgium in 250cc, he did not finish on the final podium. Cecotto is much more comfortable in 350cc, where he has a string of trophies. Giacomo Agostini, title holder for seven seasons (!), grimaces. He is obliged to recognize the superiority of Johnny, titled at 19 years old, a record for precocity.
To summarize: in 1973, Cecotto won the Venezuelan championship in his category. Two years later he was 350cc world champion in soundly beating 'King Ago', seven-time reigning world champion. A crazy trajectory, which he himself did not understand…
This pure talent will have earned him the opportunity to cross swords with the best in history. Here at Assen 1978 in 500cc, one of his three victories in this category. Caught in the act by Rob Bogaerts, we see him, in the lead, battling with Barry Sheene (n°7) and Kenny Roberts (n°1).
That was the whole problem. Alberto couldn't put his finger on his talent. He was naturally fast, and when the pressure mounted, or when exploits had to be repeated for several seasons, he did not answer the call.
Engaged in 500cc on a private Yamaha in 1976, he simply couldn't do it anymore. He falls a lot, to the point of hurting himself for years, and always chasing this second coronation which will never come.
Certainly, he still won a few rounds, notably the 1977 Venezuelan Grand Prix in the 350cc category, a stage which existed in part thanks to his popularity. He even won a Formula 750 title, but it's not the same. Between the lack of organization of his Venemotos team, and his inexplicable talent which penalized him more than anything else, he decided to retire in 1980 at only 24 years old.
At least, on two wheels. Indeed, he felt very comfortable on four, maybe even more than on two. He is one of the few to have had a successful career in the saddle and in racing seats, notably in Formula 1, but also in Formula 2, DTM or endurance. An atypical career for an extraordinary pilot. Hello puzzle…
cover photo: panini
