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 Honda riders, then 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 fifth, published yesterday. The first, which detailed the selection criteria as well as the honorable mentions, is found right here.
No. 2: Kevin schwantz
If places 10 to 3 were difficult to assign, this was not the case for the first two. Immediately, two names stand out and stand out very clearly from the rest. In second place comes
Kevin schwantz. Before even talking about results, impact on the sport and character, let's talk about loyalty to Suzuki.
It's very simple, the Texan has never ridden anything other than Suzukis during his career. From a certain point of view, he's the Suzuki man. No. 1. This is, it is true, entirely debatable. Let's start by explaining his position. His 1993 title, magnificent in itself, will forever be associated with the terrible injury of Wayne Rainey in Misano. This deprived us of an exceptional finale between two legends, two behemoths of the late 1980s.
His lack of regularity in his best years (1989 at the top) cost him first place in this ranking. All is relative; finish fifth or seventh once in the season against the metronomes that are Eddie lawson et
rainy, that's not bad.
What a pilot, what an artist. Even if his track record is not as golden as it could be, he nonetheless remains an emblematic figure that we all know and respect. His brawling temperament, his trapper braking and his legendary battles have fascinated millions of children, regardless of their origin.
He represented this touch of madness, this X factor. Not even to mention his crazy speed in qualifying. Unfortunately for him, today he stumbles upon a bone, probably even crazier than he is.
No. 1: Barry Sheene
Some consider Barry Sheene to be the best driver in Grand Prix history. Photo: Lawson Speedway
Who else ? Barry has, like Valentino Rossi for Yamaha, the complete baggage. Palmares ?
Sheene is the only Suzuki rider to win twice (1976, 1977) in the premier category. In addition to that, he also rode 125cc for the brand, which made him even more unbeatable.
Beyond statistics, Sheene is Suzuki. He worked nine seasons for the firm. Immediately, we think of the RG500 Heron bearing the number 7. A legendary number, which still thrills fans. Barry Baltus, Moto2 rider, opted for the same typography for the “7” of his number “70”. It was also named in homage to the English troublemaker.
It's the whole spirit of the Continental Circus in one man. It’s the cigarette in your mouth, it’s the “70s” spirit in all its splendor. His legacy goes far beyond the limits of the Grand Prix world, and this is the reason why it is placed #1 today.
This retrospective is now over! Suzuki doesn't have the most full trophy room but some touching and unusual personalities. Everyone contributed a stone to the building. Of
Joan mir à Franco Uncini Passing by Hugh Anderson, nothing has been left out. Suz' drivers are real, frank and extremely generous on the track. The people's pilots in short.
Summary of the top 10:
10) Pat Hennen
9) Wil Hartog
8) Ernst Degner
7) Randy Mamola
6) Franco Uncini
5) Marco Lucchinelli
4) Hugh Anderson
3) Kenny Roberts Jr.
2) Kevin schwantz
1) Barry Sheene
Cover photo: Stu Newby
