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 Casey Stoner
boiling. 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 third, published yesterday. The first, which detailed the selection criteria as well as the honorable mentions, is found right here.
N ° 6: Franco Uncini
To reach the top 6, no secret: you need at least one world champion title. Franco Uncini, a major figure in the championship in the early 1980s, is of this caste. Arrived in the world in 1976, Uncini cut his teeth in intermediate categories, at
Harley-Davidson. After good seasons, he took the plunge and entered the big leagues.
In 1979, he finished in fifth place in the 500cc world championship, with a podium result. On a private Suzuki, it asserts itself as one of the best in the category, although Kenny Roberts and others show a better level.
It was after a disastrous 1981 season that Roberto Gallina offered him a position in his team. The latter became aware of his enormous potential. This is transformation. In 1982, Franco rose from the ashes.
The start of the season is managed masterfully; Italian takes the lead 'King Kenny'and an Barry Sheene yet very fit couldn't compete either. The championship changes three-quarters of the way through the season. Sheene, during practice for the British Grand Prix, collides with Patrick Igoa's motorcycle. Serious arm and leg injuries prevented him from playing the rest of the season.
After Sheene, it's Roberts' turn to fall! In the middle of the race, still at Silverstone, the American fell heavily. The diagnosis is clear: he will not be able to play the end of the championship.
A sad weekend which benefits Franco Uncini, who can safely secure the championship. His three retirements during the last three rounds do not allow him to Graeme Crosby, on Yamaha, to go back up. A deserved title (although altered by racing events) which propels our good Franco to 6th place in the ranking.
N ° 5: Marco Lucchinelli
Lucchinelli in 1981. Photo: sconoscuito
Impossible to talk about one without mentioning the other!
Everywhere, the two follow each other. Their careers are strangely similar, but it's Marco who wins this time. In terms of loyalty to Suzuki, it's the same thing. The same goes for victories. Marco was on top longer, at least at Suzuki: this is what explains this small gap.
Just like his compatriot, he won the title 500cc, a year earlier. A crown acquired against the big names that are Randy Mamola et Kenny Roberts, this time present throughout the year. Also in 1981, he scored seven pole positions, including six in a row.
Lucchinelli was strong and had been for several years: in 1976, he was in fourth place overall. This therefore opens the doors to the top 5, which rewards his loyalty to Suzuki as well as his crazy talent. Unfortunately, a premature move to Honda in 1982 put an end to his dreams of a double as well as his competitiveness.
Who will appear in 4th and 3rd place in the ranking?
Answer tomorrow!
Cover photo: Hans Van Dijk / ANEFO (Franco Uncini in first position).
