Three. There are only three drivers in history to have obtained the title during a first season in the premier category. This feat is particularly remarkable, because making your mark at the highest level in the world often takes several years. Not counted is Leslie Graham, the first 500cc champion in history in 1949 and therefore a rookie. Marc Márquez is part of this very closed circle, thanks to his 2013 coronation. Kenny roberts, 1st in 1978 too. A third man is in this elite club, although unknown to the battalion. Portrait.
Umberto Masetti (1926-2006) is not one of the most popular pilots, to say the least. With Gary Hocking or Libero Liberati, he is one of those obscure 500cc world champions, whom history has swallowed up over the years.
However, on the handlebars, few heroes competed in the 1950s. Back to 1949, date of the first motorcycling world championship.
At the start of the Swiss Grand Prix, organized on the Bremgarten track, young Umberto is trembling. The latter is preparing to start the 125cc race, on a modest Moto Morini.
He made a good impression by finishing the race 4th, an honorable result. Later in the season, he progressed and reached the podium twice. At the same time, he did some racing on Benelli in the 250cc class, also garnering some good points.
The great Masetti. Photo: JD Noske ANEFO
At the same time, nothing is going well for the Italians in 500cc. Gilera suffered a disappointment in 1949, and only wanted first place the following year. This involved recruiting talented and promising drivers: Masetti ticked all the boxes. However, the No. 1 Gilera remained Nello Pagani. He finished second in the inaugural championship, and intended to take his revenge on Leslie Graham's AJS.
With the adoption of a new framework, it will be necessary to count on the
Norton “Manx”. These machines, now legendary, will be led by a select team, made up, among others, of the promising Geoff Duke and D'Artie Bell.
The season looks promising but quickly, the favorites disappoint. Graham and Pagani have had a very difficult start to the season, marked by retirements. It is the young guns Duke and Masetti who face each other for the title in a merciless fight. Unfortunately for the Englishman, three victories against two were not enough to contain the consistency of the native of Borgo delle Rose.
Masetti, against all expectations, becomes 500cc world champion by just one point.
Masetti at Assen in 1950… another time. Photo: JD Noske / ANEFO
Nobody expected him, but he is there. Rookie world champion, the first Italian in history. He knows it: he will have to confirm to have the recognition of his peers. Umberto wasted no time in letting it be known. Under the leadership of Pierro Taruffi, he finished third in the championship. Geoff Duke was too hungry.
In 1952, he produced a new masterclass by defeating the competition. Duke wanted to race for English teams, and refused any offer from the Italians. They made him pay a high price. Masetti offered a new title to the legendary Gilera team.
A serious accident in 1953 dealt a blow to his successful career. After missing a year, he lost his luster while remaining strong on the track. Umberto was no longer the same. Unequal appearances on MV Agusta and Moto Morini got the better of his passion. He left the 500cc in 1958, and raced for pleasure under Chilean license until 1963, in small categories of course. 14 years after his debut, he still finished on the 250cc podium!
Speed never leaves the great champions.
Cover photo: ANEFO
