In Grands Prix, there is no shortage of French people. Why not try to draw up a ranking of the ten greatest in history, trying to argue the place of each and paying tribute to everyone? here is third part of the top 10, which will stop at the foot of the podium.
Regarding the selection criteria and honorable mentions, everything was presented in the first part.
No. 6: Randy De Puniet (1981-)
Randy. A familiar name for all motorcycle fans of the 2000s and 2010s. When you have a 15-year career, including 8 in MotoGP, it's simpler. De Puniet is an example of consistency throughout the seasons and an impressive work force. Despite numerous criticisms, he still managed to make his mark in the premier class at Kawasaki with the help of excellent 250cc exercises in his backpack.
All in a complicated era. The 800cc era – from 2007 – was very competitive but unbreathable for small teams. Despite everything, Randy sometimes worked miracles with a high-performance Honda LCR but nothing more, like this third place at the 2009 British Grand Prix. A longevity which takes him directly to place n°6. A few more podiums would have allowed him to gain places for sure.
No. 5: Raymond Roche (1957-)
Another forgotten pilot. However, among the men who have been closest to winning a title, Raymond Roche ranks well. This is an opportunity to remind once again that the Superbike is not counted and fortunately for the first four: Sa world title in 1990 would have given him a podium finish.
The Roche case is quite atypical. Before 1983, the Varois was quite discreet despite a podium in 1978. In 1984 on Honda, he had an absolutely fantastic year, finishing third in the 500cc world championship with eight podiums. This year alone made him gain places, especially given the frightening competition at the time: Eddie Lawson, Randy Mamola, Freddie Spencer, Ron Haslam...
After this incredible season, results are lacking. Switching to Yamaha, he never found his way to the podium again, except for a second place at Le Mans in 1985. His results on a capricious Cagiva were good, but he too could not take the Italian machine a step further. A fifth place is honest, but there is no doubt that his career choices work against him, the talent was so crazy.
No. 4: Olivier Jacques (1973-)
Jacque will have made more than one dream. Photo: Steve.
“Jacque attacks”. More than a nickname, a mentality. The 250 2000cc world champion is in the top 5 of the greatest French riders. Olivier was the definition of a magnificent driver, who gave 100% in every race, even if it meant crashing.
This is also why he can't get on the podium.
He was sometimes erratic. Linked to Tech3 since the start of his career, it was the French team that allowed him to score his first victories in 250cc, then the world title. Acquired at Philip Island, this legendary explanation between himself and Nakano will forever remain in the history books as the two thieves were charismatic, human, kind and of course, strong.
Moved to the premier category in 2001 and still loyal to Tech3,
he took with him the show of which he had the secret. Everyone remembers that fantastic 2002 German Grand Prix, where the No. 19 could have led a 500cc two-stroke to victory for the very last time in history. This was without counting on an overly optimistic Alex Barros, who won at the first corner and caused the race to retire.
Olivier Jacque is also the resounding return to Kawasaki and this exceptional second place in Shanghai in 2005. For all these reasons and this “French” panache, he is in the pantheon. It wasn't the strongest or the most regular, but it was a dream.
See you in the next episode for the podium! Who will be the three lucky ones?
Cover photo: Jerko Scholten.
