Retrospective: No one will do better than Fausto Gresini

The Moto3 category is more competitive than ever. In 2022 alone, seven different drivers have won. And it's not just a question of equipment, since five of them used the KTM RC250GP, or equivalent Husqvarna et Gas Gas. The modernization of motorcycle sport in the 1980s made the grids more competitive. For the credibility of the championship, a – new – big period of domination was simply not imaginable. The champions have multiplied, but a few have slipped through the cracks. Today, let's look back at an unrivaled feat, namely the 1987 season of Fausto Gresini.

At the time, he was far from unknown, he was a clear favorite for the title. Fausto made a surprising debut in the 125cc category, and his time on Garelli orchestrated in mid-season 1984 bore fruit. From then on, he was a regular candidate for victory. In 1985, he completed Pier paolo bianchi and won his first world title, immediately put back into play the following year.

The new number 1 in the category struggled against a Luca Cadalora on fire, also riding a Garelli. The Italian machines were clearly more efficient, but that had nothing to do with the outrageous domination of the MV Agusta in higher categories in the 1960s. Sometimes, an MBA and even a Bartol could secure victory. However, he ended the year with a bang, with success at Baden-Württemberg Grand Prix (organized at Hockenheim). Remember this, because we are going to bring it up again.

 

The 1987 season begins. The 125cc calendar differs from that reserved for the 250cc and 500cc, and it is therefore in Spain that the regulars of the discipline find themselves. HAS Jerez, the race is contested, but Gresini overcomes the poleman Domenico Brigaglia. At Hockenheim, he was uncompromising and achieved a “hat trick”, namely pole, best lap in the race and victory. At home, near Monza, he won by a hair against Bruno Casanova, also a Garelli driver. August AuingerOn a, is third, less than half a second behind. New victory down to the wire in Austria! It's already the fourth in a row this season, and each time, it doesn't go far. While Fausto takes a good option on the title, Casanova remains close.

Amazing. At Assen, Gresini won again by less than a second, still ahead of his teammate! On the other hand, Le Mans has less suspense. Gresini crushes the competition and sticks to his pursuer for more than a minute. At this point, we are approaching a tour de force. Including Hockenheim 1986, we are already on a streak of six consecutive victories. And it's not over : In Donington, new masterstroke. Uncompromising on Sunday, he is now almost certain to be titled after the fall of Bruno Casanova, who started from pole.

Same price in Anderstorp, in Sweden, where he triumphed far in front. Casanova can no longer do anything. Gresini, by winning the Czechoslovakia Grand Prix, won his second 125cc world title, unsurprisingly. In Misano, he drives home the point and continues his historic series. Will he have a “golden year”, that is to say winning all the races over a season? He is only one Grand Prix away from making his mark.

 

The 125cc season ends at Jarama, as part of the Portuguese Grand Prix. In fact, the Estoril track was not ready to accommodate motorcycles, and the rights were transferred for this year to the Spanish circuit, located not far from Madrid. Gresini is once again in pole position. But against all expectations, the Italian falls! The victory is “offered” to Paolo Casoli, third in the championship.

Fausto Gresini remained undefeated in the small category for almost a year, and had 11 consecutive victories.. This anachronistic feat is crazy, and certainly not discussed enough these days. He thus achieved the 6th best invincibility series of all time, tied with Ángel Nieto over the 1978-1979 campaigns. Around him, only ancient glories, like carlo ubbiali, Haiwood, Surtees and of course, the “King Ago” (which peaks at 35 units, you might as well say that you could bet without too much risk in 1968 and 1969). No other driver in the small categories has joined him until today, because it is unthinkable, in these extremely competitive classes, to see such domination again.

A 1988 season marred by injuries took its toll on his almost divine form. He never again won a world championship title, even if he did not go that far in 1991 and 1992, this time on Honda. Of course, his career continued and Fausto had an equally beautiful “second life” with his very successful team in all categories, until its disappearance in 2021.

Did you know about this record season for Gresini? Tell us in the comments!

Cover photo: Vedi Sotto