A notable driver of the 1970s, Patrick Pons was a driver as talented as he was enigmatic. A look back at the life of a pioneer of his sport. During this winter, between two analyses, let's return to this atypical profile, who, without realizing it, was the first French world champion!
The Parisian's career really began in 1972. Kawasaki and Moto Revue then organized a promotional formula, nicknamed "Kawa Cup" and it was among these grids filled with long-toothed young people that he made his mark. This extremely aggressive driver, fast and irregular, still managed to win the cup and was spotted by Jean Claude Olivier, Yamaha importer in France and influential personality for French motorcycle sport. His debut in Grand Prix was very good: after a timid 1973, he already ranked third in 250cc and 350cc for his second year on the world circuit, behind customers like Walter Villa and Giacomo Agostini at only 21 years old.
Pons, it was a style of driving. And for the moment quite easy to describe: in catastrophe. Everywhere. At every turn. A real lover of difficulty. He was one of those drivers always on the attack, constantly at the limit of what the equipment can give and driven by an exceptional determination. Inevitably, a style of this kind leaves little room for error. Thus, injuries undermined his career, reducing him, sometimes, to making only a few appearances over entire years.
A photo of Pons in 1979, 350cc category.
A thoughtful man, he did not hesitate to give of himself for those he considered his successors. He knew that the next generation was growing, and was ready to help them even if they could beat him on the track. Between friendships, advice and loan of equipment, he gave his all for the good of these talented young wolves. Among them, Christian Sarron.
The 250 1984cc world champion had the support of Pons at the beginning of his career and knew how to make the most of their close relationship. It was he himself who, during his periods of injuries, pushed for Yamaha to lend its bikes to the young Christian who was also making waves. This is where the enigma takes on its full meaning: how could the man who was so thoughtful, calm, so hard on himself can turn into a hungry one once the helmet is put on, thinking only of the highest step of the podium? His ambition was clear: to play to win no matter what race he took part in. No matter the bike. There are scenes where we see Pons in another world after a victory, transcended by the feat, by this feeling that made him live. A competitive spirit developed from a young age, he who was heading towards high-level skiing.
After three years of drought, the skies cleared for Patrick. And for the 1978 Bol d'Or, the Pons/Sarron crew was entered by Yamaha on a TZ750 and literally flew over the event before breaking down, late in the race. The year 1979 continued with an impressive victory in the 750cc world championship (called Formula 750): a category that was not included in the Motorcycle Grand Prix, but in which the big names of the time participate, including Johnny Cecotto. It is the first French title in the history of motor sports. No more, no less. Yes, yes, cars and motorcycles combined.
Patrick Pons in 1978.
Otherwise, money was never one of his motivations. Nor did glory. He considered these things as a kind of bonus. What he wanted was to drive, to surpass himself. In history, few drivers are as transcended by the exercise of racing, radically changing face when the start is launched. He lived for that. He fed off competition. But unfortunately, drivers like him (although rare) generally do not last.
While the year 1980 began perfectly with a victory at the prestigious 200 miles of Daytona, he was killed during the British Grand Prix in an accident, then in full comeback to compensate for a difficult qualifying. Michel Rougerie, who followed him, said moreover that he saw Pons pushing enormously, probably too much, to try to gain ground.
A bad day for France, which had just lost one of its most special and endearing athletes. Both shy and addicted to speed, he nonetheless remains one of our most remarkable representatives. He spoke little, struck hard, bathed in the charm of the Continental Circus. Everything we love in short…
Did you know Patrick Pons and his story? Tell me in the comments!
Sarron's Yamaha TZ750 in 1979.
Cover photo: Yamaha Community
