Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki. The three-headed snake that has reigned supreme over motorcycle Grands Prix since the 1970s. The three behemoths have shared the cake since 1975, with the exception of 2007 and a fiery Casey Stoner. After ranking the ten best drivers Hondathen
Yamaha , the time has come to focus on the third thief: Suzuki. If its history is less rich in titles, it is nevertheless full and contains anecdotes, each more fascinating than the last. Together, let's try to pay tribute to these heroes who wrote history.
This episode follows the first, which detailed the selection criteria as well as the honorable mentions (found here.)
No. 10: Pat Hennen
Yes it's good Pat Hennen which enters the top 10, to the detriment ofAlex Rins and Joan Mir. However, the latter only has three seasons at the highest level. But what seasons.
The American was gifted, a sort of piloting genius. Arriving in 500cc in 1976, he quickly gained the trust of fans and became one of the most popular riders on the grid. His talent allowed him to appear on the podium in the fourth race at Assen. Its history is inseparable from that of Teuvo Länsivuori, friend of Jarno Saarinen; it was thanks to the Finn that he developed a new, particularly devastating style of driving.
The 1976 financial year ended with a third place overall. To reward the effort, Suzuki offered him a factory handlebar for the following year. From the start of the season, he established himself as one of the candidates for the world title. Despite a victory in the United Kingdom, he could not compete with his teammate Barry Sheene et Steve Baker (Yamaha).
1978 was to be his year. But sometimes life decides otherwise. During the first rounds, he asserted himself as the main rival of Kenny Roberts, also in Olympic form. But hens, as an enthusiast, also raced in the Tourist Trophy, at a time when the latter was no longer in the championship. Just imagine Joan Mir deciding to race the TT on her GSX-RR!
On the 'mountain', everything goes well... at first. Riding his Suzuki, he completed the first lap under twenty minutes in history, before hitting the sidewalk. The fall was of rare violence, and forced the gifted man to retire prematurely.
« In 1978, I had everyone under control…except Pat Hennen ". When it is Kenny roberts Whoever says that, we take his word for it.
N ° 9: Wil Hartog
Wil Hartog at Assen in 1977. A great moment in history. Photo: Koen Suyk / ANEFO
Another pilot spoiled by nature. From the height of 1 m, Wil Hartog dazzled the championship at the end of the 1970s. The Dutchman was also teammate of
hens in 1978. Arriving in 1977 after having won everything nationally, the white giant contributed to Suzuki's domination during this decade. He spent six years of his career riding Suz's and more precisely RG500s, a most legendary machine.
His 1977 season was marked by his victory at Assen, in front of his own crowd. A grandiose moment, out of time. Carried by the crowd and by his teammate Barry Sheene, he is on top of the world. The 'white giant' won four other 500cc races, all accompanied by numerous podiums.
He retired in 1981, but continues to ride his old machines as part of dedicated days or exhibitions. A true enthusiast, who in his time, left his mark on the category.
That's all for tonight ! Tomorrow, places 8 and 7 will be revealed.
Cover photo: Smudge 9000
