It is a fact ; our Italian cousins are our rivals, and it's always good to tickle them, in a friendly way of course. The Italian Grand Prix is approaching, and with it, comes a bitter realization; the French have never shone there. So, of course, we have some victories in the boot, notably that of Fabio Quartararo in 2021 in the most prestigious of categories. But apart from this feat, the results are meager in comparison to the other localities visited by the world championship. Except for one year. Retrospective.
Six. This is the total number of French victories in Italy since 1949, less than the
Rhodesia, or worse for us Gauls, the
Switzerland. To tell the truth, it is difficult to find an explanation if not for the abundance of Italian pilots who participated. For a long time, Italy has dominated the Grands Prix and it is normal to find them victorious at home.
At least we can quote them to pay homage to them without it dragging on. Before “El Diablo” in 2021, we heard the Marseillaise for Johann Zarco en 2016, year of his second coronation Moto2, then we had to go back to 1993 et
Jean-Philippe Ruggia en 250 tsp. Before that, Dominique Sarron had made the tricolor flag shine in the same category in
1988.
At the time, the French were numerous. If we except Fabio and Johann, our numbers are very thin at the moment. Here Éric Saul at the 1979 French Grand Prix. Photo: icgpracing
But in 1981, we really believed in the feat. The French were more numerous than today, and we had very good ones in all categories, except in 50cc and 500cc. THE Continental Circus returned to Monza for the first time since the tragedy of 1973, which cost the life of Jarno Saarinen et
Renzo Pasolini.
The Grand Prix des Nations is underway. In qualifying, no tricolor on pole; but we like to surprise. Well, in 50cc, no Frenchman could really compete with the legend Ricardo Tormo, soon to be world champion. However, it is a shame thatYves Dupont was forced to retire because he was on the podium one race later, in Spain.
Either.
In 125cc, it's not the same lemonade but nevertheless, nothing suggested the feat. We had Guy Bertin, fast on Sanvenero but who had not crossed the line in the first three races. Almost identical observation for Jacques Bolle, pilot
Motobécane, whose season was marked by certain irregularity.
However, the two transcend each other. On Sunday,
Angel Nieto can do nothing against the hexagonal power. Guy Bertin sticks 26 seconds to the Minarelli of Loris Reggiani, and Jacques Bolle finishes 3rd in front of the great Nieto! What a demonstration from our troops.
It's simple: this is the first French victory in Italy.
As much, we did not expect it in 125cc, but we know that victory in 250cc as in 350cc is within reach. The reason is simple. We have none other than
Jean-François Baldé on Kawasaki, one of our best elements. While all eyes are on him, he underperforms... but fortunately, a huge Eric Saul takes over!
Public chat Chevallier/Yamaha (French chassis what's more), it imposes itself on the nose and beard of Maurizio Massiamiani, the second victory of a blue in front of an Italian in Italy! patrick fernandez, on Bimota-Yamaha, is 5th, followed by Baldethen
Thierry Espié. Further away, Christian Estrosi et Jean-Louis Guignabodet, or six French people in the top 10!
Éric Saul, undoubtedly the hero of this day. Here in 2018. Photo: Eric Houdas
Everyone hopes that Jean-François Baldé gets his act together in 350cc. He is coming off two consecutive retirements and already the world title seems far away against the legends Jon Ekerold and Anton Mang. Once again, he did not cross the finish line. Patrick Fernandez is still 4th, just ahead of Éric Saul who, definitely, had eaten lion. Michel Rougerie closes the top 10.
Let's not hide our faces; the 500cc podium was a utopia. Faced with “King” Kenny Roberts, Marco Lucchinelli and other Graeme Crosby, it’s difficult to exist.
Marc Fontan starts 5th but unfortunately, he is also forced to retire. Honor is “saved” by Christian Sarron, 10th, but Roberts' victory also means that no Italian was celebrated on this day. Believe it or not, this hasn't happened that often.
We hold on to what we can after all.
Can Johann Zarco and Fabio Quartararo increase the total against the formidable Pecco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi and others during the Italian Grand Prix? answer in a few days.
Cover picture : Guy Bertin alongsideAngel Nieto et Loris Reggiani during the 1980 Dutch Grand Prix. ANEFO.
