Swiss drivers in Grands Prix – part 2

Switzerland, despite its absence of circuits, is a great motorsport nation. Since the beginning of the world motorcycling championship in 1949, Helvetians have distinguished themselves at the highest level, but especially in sidecars. This three-part saga aims to shine a light on deserving but forgotten pilots. Are you following us? Let's go !

Of course, completeness is not the goal, but a good number of heroes will be mentioned, don't worry. To avoid getting lost, we will try to follow a chronological order. This episode follows the first, published yesterday.

Ulrich Graf (1946-1977)

We are talking about a Grand Prix winner here. Indeed, Ulrich Graf imposed itself on Yugoslav GP 1976 in the 50cc category, following a straightAngel Nieto at the start of the race. That year, he even placed third overall.

Ironically, it was in the same country that his life ended a year later. Then third in the race, he fell, hit a pole and was killed instantly. This death, with that of Giovanni Ziggiotto during the 250cc tests, forces the FIM to declare the circuit obsolete. It's the end of the races Opatija, terrible plot.

Patrick Mulheim

Patrick Mulheim was a sidecar driver having practiced the discipline at world level, at the dawn of the 1980s. Accompanied by his passenger Gérard Paul, the duo experienced great results. Since then, Patrick has been seen in hill climbs as well as in the French Superbike championship.

Today, Mulheim is present alongside Perillat Peugeot Racing Team in FSBK, working to ensure the proper functioning of the LCR/Yamaha n°74 driven by Ted et Vincent Peugeot, incidentally vice-champion of France 2021.

Rolf Biland (1951-)

The great Rolf Biland. Photo: Hans Koberger

Rolf Biland is arguably one of the greatest sidecar drivers. With seven world championship titles and 80 victories at the highest level, he was the man to take down. The legend begins in 1978, the date of his first coronation, accompanied by Kenneth williams. The very significant diversity of chassis gave free rein to the ingenious imagination of the mechanics, often the drivers themselves.

His work on his BEO with a 500cc Yamaha engine paid off. Balance sheet set the table again in 1979, this time assisted by his historical monkey, Kurt Waltisperg. The advent of chassis Louis Christen (LCR) benefits the Swiss, who wins in 1981, followed by a new consecration in 1983.

The following years are more complicated. Dutch Egbert Streuer dominates the category, then is replaced by Steve Webster, ten times world champion. However, in the 1990s, Rolf rose from the ashes and won three new consecutive titles. His very last championship, 1994, was acquired with an engine Swissauto V4, one of its initiatives. The four-cylinder, developed in collaboration with Zytek, carried a lot of electronics for the time. An innovative idea that paved the way, even for motorcycle teams. Without dispute, Rolf Biland is the greatest Swiss driver of all time.

Roland Freymond (1953-)

Roland Freymond was a 250cc specialist in the early 1980s. Twice in 1981 and 1982, he finished third in the championship on MBA. The Swiss even allowed himself to win the 1982 Swedish Grand Prix under the noses and beards of the favorites.