Following the historic podium achieved last Sunday by Fabio Quartararo and Johann Zarco in Qatar, the past reference of 1954 has been used numerous times by the press.
But what happened in 1954?
During the French Grand Prix which was held on the triangular circuit of Reims-Gueux, Pierre Monneret wins both the 350cc event on an official AJS and the 500cc event on a reserve 4-cylinder Gilera.
Pierre Monneret (born January 12, 1931 and died March 1, 2010) was the son of the famous George Monneret (499 victories and 183 records between 1926 and 1966), therefore the half brother of Philippe Monneret, who you probably know from having been a commentator on Eurosport (See the Monneret saga on the FFM heritage site).
He marked the history of French motorcycle sport by becoming the first French rider to have won a Grand Prix of the world speed championship. Then a second one right away. We can imagine the impact of the feat at the time...
On the 500cc podium, Jacques Collot, another French pilot with a background as heterogeneous as it is impressive (mechanic, resistance fighter, soldier, archaeologist, speleologist and speed driver), is present on the third step.
So two French drivers on the podium of the premier category of Grands Prix, yes, this had already been done, on May 20, 1954 for the 24th edition of the French Grand Prix.
But to have a French double 1-2 on the podium of the premier category of the Grands Prix, we had to wait until this Sunday, April 4, 2021.
fabio quartararo et Johann zarco
have therefore inscribed their name once again on the historical tablets of French motorcycles.
We recall in fact that the two men are not at their first attempt since, with already four successes, Fabio Quartararo is quite simply the most successful French driver in the premier category of Grand Prix, while with his two world titles Johann zarco is without equal in this field, while prancing at the head of the French having just reached the mark of 50 podiums.
History is in the making, and we can't wait to experience it...
