HRC Three legendary letters forever engraved in marble as well as on the MotoGP trophy. Honda is the largest manufacturer having graced the world championship circuits since 1949. Even today, a Repsol Honda Team handlebar is considered the Holy Grail for any rider. The majority of the greatest have officiated on winged machines. So why not try to rank the ten most representative drivers of the firm?
The selection criteria have been explained in detail in the
first part. .
Now it's time for the podium, after revealing the places 6 and 5 previously.
No. 4: Wayne Gardner (1959-)
From fourth place, the profiles change. THE " Crocodile » only knew one brand during its remarkable move to the premier category. In nine years, Wayne will have experienced everything but remains inseparable from the legendary Honda Rothmans from the mid 1980s.
Good stuff, like his world title in 1987, won against his rival Eddie Lawson at the end of an absolutely crazy year. Seven victories in just fifteen races to overcome the American, without forgetting Randy Mamola who is also in very good shape.
His victory at Philip Island in 1989 is one of the greatest moments in Honda history, dating back to their first race. Wayne was a special pilot, beastly and tough to evil. He embodied his employer's philosophy and never surrendered. Also in 1989, there was this nasty injury from which he never really recovered.
At the end of the effort, he hung up his leathers in 1992, not without being applauded by an entire family. If Spencer is the first Honda champion, Gardner is the first myth.
Photo: Rikita
N ° 3: Dani Pedrosa (1985-)
Dani's case is more complicated than it seems. In terms of longevity, it’s difficult to do better. Same thing statistically. However, he cannot claim the first two places because of the lack of titles in the premier category. If the Spaniard had managed to take one in MotoGP, the discussion would not have been the same and that is why he cannot be higher.
Eighteen years of good and loyal service. Three world titles shared between the 125cc and 250cc. 54 career victories. The numbers simply speak for themselves. Dani Pedrosa narrowly missed the title, three-time vice-world champion, but still seemed far away. On the track, it was never really spicy, never really sharp. Faced with killers like Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner or Valentino Rossi, it's unforgiving. The injuries caused in part by his natural physical frailty were devastating and he had a real chance in 2013 before breaking his collarbone.
Pedrosa is Honda. Honda is Pedrosa. Wherever he goes, he will always be welcomed with open arms by the winged house. This places him third in this ranking.
The final decision is near! See you soon for places 2 and 1.
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport.
