Strangely, the rich history of motorcycle Grands Prix has not been marked by so many manufacturers. In nearly 1000 meetings, only 18 firms won in the premier category. Of course, in front, we find the two behemoths Honda and Yamaha, with 312 and 245 successes respectively. But did you know that there are brands that have only established themselves once? Together, let's look back at these five particular victories, in 500cc or MotoGP.
I) Aprilia, the most recent
How not to start with that ofe
Aleix Espargaró in 2022, during the Argentine Grand Prix. No one has forgotten this effort in the face of
Jorge Martín, which made Aprilia a legend. The Noale firm has built up an immense track record in small categories, but had never played at the front in 500cc. First in the 1990s then in MotoGP with the
RS-Cube three cylinders.
The new commitment dating from 2015 is bearing fruit a few years later but not without difficulty. After a partnership with
Gresini seven years long, Aprilia
finally seems to have found its feet and is getting ever closer to a very good ranking. Unfortunately, an absolutely catastrophic end to 2022 raises questions about future performance.
To be continued in 2023.
Since August 6, 2023 and the (magnificent) victory of Aleix Espargaró at the 2023 British Grand Prix, the presence of Aprilia in this article is no longer necessary. But let's leave that for the story!
Finally in the firmament. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
II) Jawa, the Czechoslovak power
In the 1960s, Czechoslovakia was a big motorcycle country. The firm Java offered high-performance machines, and some talented drivers from the country littered the grids. This was the case of František Št'astný, often considered one of the best in the history of the region. In addition to racing non-championship races, this local legend was far from ridiculous at the highest level. In the early 1960s he was simply one of the best riders in the 350cc class, in which he won three races on Jawa.
Not as comfortable in 500cc, that did not prevent him from having a very good start to the 1966 season. After a third place at Assen, he won in East Germany, on the
Sachsenring, a little miraculously it must be admitted. This was made possible thanks to the mechanical problems of
Mike Hailwood, and at the fall of
Giacomo Agostini in the last lap. Thus, Jawa scored his first and only victory in the premier category.
Bill Ivy's Jawa 350 V4 GP Type 673 in 1969. Photo: Klaus Nahr
III) Sanvenero, the discord of Nogaro
Disappeared as quickly as it arrived, the small Italian company nevertheless left its mark on history by winning a unique race. In 1982, the Nogaro circuit was selected to host the traditional French Grand Prix, but it was far from unanimous. The pilots had already criticized the lack of security during the last round of the world championship, especially since the complex was quite cramped.
After the tests, discussions are going well. Kenny Roberts, on the front line when the question of the treatment of drivers comes up, decides to leave without competing in the race. The majority of other officials follow him. The grid takes a hit, but as is often the case, the Grand Prix is maintained. French drivers take all the poles in all four categories. From then on, we dream of an unprecedented quadruplet. In 125cc, Jean-Claude Selini on MBA takes the best of its opponents. He is followed by Jean-Louis Tournadre in 250cc, then by Jean-François Baldé in 350cc.
That leaves the 500cc. Patrick Igoa et Jean Lafond have a great chance to mark their time on the
500cc Fior equipped with Yamaha engines. Will we see a French exploit? No luck, since Michael Frutschi, a Swiss, imposes himself on
Sanvenero under these particular conditions. To this day, this is the only victory for a Swiss driver in the premier category.
IV) König, a success in pain
Yugoslavia 1973. The motorcycle world mourns its dead, Jarno Saarinen et
Renzo Pasolini, died a race earlier at Monza.
In the meantime, the Loka Prize in Slovenia had worsened the human toll of this cursed season. When the teams arrive in the former Federal Republic, everyone is on guard. The circuit from Opatija, on Croatian territory, is debated because of its dangerousness. In this difficult context, the pilots MV Agusta, large favorites, fear a new tragedy. Besides, they run here under their own responsibility. During testing, Phil Read touches a stone and it is enough to see the departure of the Italian team.
Who will benefit from the situation? Without any favorite at the start of the 500cc race, Kim Newcombe stands out from the crowd, again helped by the breakages of its most serious competitors. THE New Zealander
wasn't bad. Test rider for the German brand in 500cc, he had already achieved a few world podiums. The firm
King, specialized in speed boat engines, takes its only victory on two wheels here. Indeed, the machines have long been appreciated by sidecar drivers; Klaus Enders and Rolf Steinhausen have a total of three world titles for the company.
V) Linto, thanks to the pride of Count Agusta
In the 1960s, MV Agusta competed in the Grands Prix. In 1969, no suspense: Giacomo Agostini wins every race he takes part in. Then comes the Grand Prix des Nations, usually run at Monza. But exceptionally, this season, it is Imola which is responsible for hosting the world championship. Count Agusta refuses to send his brand to race on this track, especially since Agostini has already been titled in 350cc as well as in 500cc for a long time.
The Linto 500 GP from 1969. Photo: Utente
The outsiders are rubbing their hands. On the legendary Dino Ferrari circuit, Alberto Pagani, son of the legend
in, emerges victorious. He rides a Linto, a brand created in 1968 by Lino Tonti. The motorcycle is quite original, powered by an engine resulting from the coupling of two 250cc Aermacchi engines. At his helm, the Swiss Gyula Marsovszky even ends 500cc world vice-champion in that same year 1969, far behind King Ago and without winning a single race.
Did you know about these unusual victories? Tell us in the comments!
Cover photo: R.Ziletti
