Pons Racing. A true Spanish institution, will leave the world of motorcycle Grand Prix at the end of 2023. The news, that you learned on paddock-gp, probably shocked you just as much as us. Thus, let us pay tribute to the creation of Sito Pons, which marked two different generations of enthusiasts. Today, first, looking back on the team's early life, then, tomorrow, focusing more on the transition to Moto2.
The start of the adventure in the premier category
The history of Pons Racing is divided into two distinct eras. It all started in 1992. Freshly retired, Sito Pons decided to launch, without delay, a team designed for two objectives; to make a breakthrough for the Spanish pilots, who are beginning to emerge after the successes of the “first golden generation”, and to play for victory. Sito was a regular on the catwalk; he is a double 250cc world champion on Hondas sponsored by Campsa, a Spanish oil company.
Sito Pons at Laguna Seca in 1991, just a year before creating his team. Photo: Box Repsol
So, for the creation of his 500cc team, his title sponsor is perfect. On the equipment side, he received support from Honda, with whom he had achieved his greatest successes in quarter-litre racing. Equipped with an NSR500, he made a crazy bet for his first recruit: Alex Criville. The Spaniard was titled 125cc world champion in 1989, but struggled during his move to 250cc within the official Yamaha team. Taken back to JJ Cobas for the 1991 season, he struggled to finish the races, and was 13th overall at the end of the year. But Sito Pons believes in his compatriot, and organizes a move to 500cc which changes his career. After two difficult seasons in the intermediate category, he quickly performed on the Honda 500cc, and even won the TT Assen for only his eighth outing! This is the first magic trick of the sorcerer Pons.
Sponsors change almost every year, and it is difficult to find stability in Sito. Sometimes it's Marlboro, sometimes it's Ducados, sometimes it's Fortuna. Very quickly, he explored the 250cc and propelled Alberto Puig to the forefront, even winning his only 500cc victory during the 1995 season. In fact, all the Spaniards who come to his house become major players inu global ; Carlos Checa, Sete Gibernau or Rubén Xaus. Its commitment to quarter-liters ceased at the end of 1995, that is to say relatively early.
Pons Racing in the firmament
At the end of nineties, Pons is firmly established in 500cc. The introduction of sponsor Movistar comes with the signing of the first non-Spanish player, which marks a turning point in the history of the structure; John Kocinski. It's no longer the Kos' of the beginning of the decade, but “El Toro” Carlos Checa is there to save the furniture.
The year 1999 was pivotal. The recruitment of Alex Barros, an already experienced Brazilian, followed by Loris Capirossi in 2000 took Pons into another dimension. The addition of the West tobacco company for the 2001 season speaks to everyone; from now on, Sito's team plays for victory in every outing. Even though they are no longer Spanish, the two drivers manage to tickle Valentino Rossi. Everyone remembers the gray and black NSR500 sometimes bearing the names “Alex” and “Loris” in countries which prohibited the promotion of cigarettes. But also, the RC211V! In fact, the training successfully passed into MotoGP during the transformation of the category in 2002.
The Honda NSR500 or RC211V West bearing the red number 4 of Barros is legendary. Photo: Rainmaker47
In 2003, a new start; exit “Capirex” and Barros, replaced by Tohru Ukawa and Max Biaggi. It is now that the Honda Pons become more remarkable, dressed in the unforgettable Camel yellow. In 2003 and 2004, The Roman Emperor placed third in the championship, far from the undisputed champion Valentino Rossi however. For a private team, it's still notable.
On the other hand, the situation is turning sour. Already, during the 2004 season, the legendary technical director Antonio Cobas died, and left Sito an orphan. Alex Barros is recalled, but it is already too late; At the end of 2005, Honda-Pons stopped its MotoGP adventure due to lack of money; Camel prefers to support the official Yamaha team.
A sad ending? Not so fast! Tomorrow we will discuss the rebirth of the team. the second part of this retrospective has been published! Click here to find it.
Cover photo: Oz
