The great history of motorcycle Grands Prix can only be told through the small ones shaped by essential men who nevertheless fall into oblivion. Fortunately, there are books that help put everything into perspective. This is the journey of a man without whom another would not have been able to achieve his goal of becoming a living legend. Because without Ivano Beggio, there would have been no Valentino Rossi…
In 1996, Valentino Rossi started his career in the 125 world championship with Aprilia. In his posthumous autobiography, the then owner of the Noale house recounts the beginnings of this boy who would later become a nine-time world champion.
The autobiography ofIvano Beggio , produced before his death in 2018, is available, a work which traces the history ofAprilia and his patron, with many anecdotes. Aprilia was in fact a fertile ground for talented pilots, especially Valentino Rossi, but let's not forget that characters like Max Biaggi, Tetsuya Harada et Loris Capirossi went through the Noale racing department. Beggs recounts the arrival of Red in Grand Prix and the first contract signed, it was in 1996. The chapter is entitled “The Valentino Cyclone” and recounts:
« The entire fight over Biaggi overshadowed the debut of Valentino Rossi, who finished ninth in the championship and won his first race at Brno. Rossi was sent to my office by Pernat who considered him as a promising young man but in reality we considered him above all as the son of Graziano, a notable Italian talent in the 250 and 500. Graziano also helped us develop our 125. Who would have imagined that the boy we gave his first contract of 15 euros, Biaggi's was around 500 million euros, would have been the one destined to become the one of the greatest like Giacomo Agostini? »
Beggs Valentino’s character then says: “ When I see Rossi racing today, my thoughts inevitably go to this extremely happy time. I have extraordinary memories of him. There was always joy and spontaneity around him, and I don't remember any disagreements or bad moments with the team. With his court of friends, he could lighten and minimize any situation. Seeing him always gave me a lot of energy ».
Valentino Rossi grateful
Ivan Beggio was therefore essential in the career of Valentino Rossi. And the latter readily admits: “ signing the three-year contract with Aprilia, to be an official 125 and 250 rider, represented a dream for me. Ivano Beggio was a very refined and elegant man, always flanked by his legendary wife Tina, but the best definition for him is undoubtedly that of the leader. He was the undisputed leader of the entire company ».
The Doctor then continues: “ I remember those first years in Grand Prix as very formative, working alongside the likes of Noccioli and Brazzi. I think Beggio had a lot of fun too. When we won the 250 title in Brazil it was memorable, we threw him fully clothed into the pool ».
« When I signed the new contract in 1999, I told him that my ambition was to get to 500 where I already had a deal with Honda, but only if I won the 250 title. He understood and replied that he would have waited until the end of the season without any problem and that we would then have decided whether to extend or not. This availability allowed me to escape uncertainties about the future and I have always been grateful to it. ».
