After having dealt with a number of forgotten constructors,
Morbidelli’s turn comes. The firm, which has no connection with Franco Morbidelli, is historic, having won numerous titles in the Grand Prix world championship. It all begins before the Second World War, in the peaceful town of Pesaro.
Giancarlo Morbidelli, an industrialist specializing in wood processing, works hard on its precision machines. The latter has only one dream in mind: Building motorcycles. For the moment, it must be content to supply body parts to many car manufacturers.
The boss is very talented. After the war, his small business employed 300 people, a significant payroll. His passion for racing motorcycles was not dampened by the conflict, quite the contrary. Installed, he began the manufacture of chassis and engines, financed by its other activities, in 1960, date of official creation.
It is here, on the banks of the Adriatic, that the high-performance prototypes will be built. It was in 50cc that the adventure began at the end of the decade.
The inexpensive category allowed various manufacturers to gain a foothold in the global market without risking bankruptcy.
Each team has its renowned driver. That of Morbidelli is called
Gilberto Parlotti. It probably doesn't mean anything to you, but its role in the story is particularly important. Engaged in 125cc since 1971, the brand began to win the following year thanks to the Italian. However, fate does not do the rising star any favors.
Parlotti died at the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man, a round on the world championship calendar. The very rainy weather considerably slowed down the rescue efforts. His disappearance marks
Giacomo Agostini, who will never run along the mountain again. From now on, departure will not be given if the weather does not allow a helicopter to take off; the rule is still in force today.
Morbidelli does not stop there, however. Drawing inspiration from the work of Suzuki et Kreidler
in the small categories, the Marche firm won its first world title in 125cc during the 1975 season. The Italian Paolo Pileri beat another official Morbidelli, securing the manufacturer's title.
In 1976, it's Pier paolo bianchi who takes care of the 125cc, with another manufacturer's title at stake. The following season is that of consecration. Bianchi wins a new 125cc title, while the talented Mario Lega
offers the 250cc (using a Yamaha engine), a category contested by renowned manufacturers.
This time is also one of change. Seeing broader, Morbidelli joined forces with Benelli Armi to found MBA, aiming to have greater influence on the market. Two new 125cc titles will take their place in the trophy cabinet: in 1978 with Eugenio Lazzari and 1980 with the faithful Pier Paolo Bianchi.
Eugenio Lazzarini (top) and Pier Paolo Bianchi (bottom), Morbidelli's spearheads in Grands Prix.
After a short unsuccessful test in 500cc, Morbidelli ceases his racing program in 1982. Like many other legendary firms, it did not resist the Japanese invasion of the 1990s. The construction of an intriguing V8 model did not prevent the cessation of production in Pesaro.
Gianni, son of Giancarlo, will have an honest career with a stint in Formula 1, marked by a podium finish at the 1995 Australian Grand Prix. Morbidelli's story, like others, is a matter of passion. A world where numbers don't count, where emotion dictates the course of action. If you ever pass through the city, don't hesitate to stop by the museum, just to take you back to a very (too) distant era.
Cover photo: RedHawkRider
