We have already returned at length to the forgotten myths, buried under the dense history of motorcycle Grands Prix. Moreover, we ruled that
Kent Andersson was perhaps the most underrated driver of all time. But today, let's look at a monster that could make the Swede pale, and yet, totally forgotten these days: Tarquinio Provini.
Early 1950 years
it is not uncommon to see veterans competing, who sometimes cut their teeth well before the Second World War. The vast majority are approaching forty, and we rarely talk about talented young guns like today. Provini is the exception that proves the rule. Born in 1933 in Emilia-Romagna, he became interested in motorcycle racing at a very young age. His father, a renowned mechanic and owner of a garage, had nothing to do with it.
At only 16 years old, he debuted in a small competition, and against all odds, won. Problem: He is too young and the organizers disqualify him. To avoid the sanction, he borrows his uncle Cesare's license and continues to show up at the starts, but the deception only lasts for a while. Tarquinio is once again unmasked and disqualified, but he does not give up on his dream. From then on, his unfailing determination earned him the nickname “bull of Bologna”.
Provini after his victory at the Assen TT in 1957. Photo: ANEFO
Despite everything, it sometimes manages to slip through the cracks, until it is accepted. It's no secret anymore, he is none other than the country's No. 1 promising talent. He dominates so much that he is spotted by
FB Global, an important firm at the time. Therefore, barely after celebrating his 20th birthday, he is already an official driver with an entry in the 125cc world class on the program.
He crushes the class 125cc junior in Italy, and won his first world championship race at the end of the year. The teams FB World understand that they have a diamond in the rough. In 1955, they entered him in the 125cc and 175cc categories at the national level (he won the first of these classes for the second year in a row) as well as in the world championships, but not enough to his liking. Tarquinio wants to do everything, win everything. Count Boselli, owner of the company
FB World, first wants to focus on the Italian championship, hotly contested and of greater importance for advertising.
Never mind: Provini marches on Italy in the small categories. In 1957, at just 24 years old, he was finally ready to play for a world championship title. In 250cc, he faces Cecil Sandford equipped with the same machines as him. If his speed is not ridiculous (two victories) but four retirements are the reason for his chances. In 125cc, it's not the same lemonade. He outplayed the competition, winning three victories in six races, including the prestigious Isle of Man TT. For his first coronation, he beats the legendary Luigi Taveri et
carlo ubbialiTwo MotoGP Legends. But at the end of the year, the sky darkens.
Italian manufacturers, with the exception of MV Agusta and some others, do not support rising costs at the highest level. Like many other of his compatriots, Tarquinio learned in the press that FB Global withdraws, as well as Gilera et
Moto Guzzi. The “pact” of 1957 is undoubtedly the first major upheaval experienced by the championship since its creation in 1949.
Of course, a talent like Provini cannot stay without handlebars. So, he was drafted by MV Agusta, no less. Next to carlo ubbiali in the small categories, the duo works but the flow does not flow. The press revels in the rivalry, and some Italian supporters even come to blows on the circuits! Ubbiali may be one of the best of all time, but Provini is no laughing matter against him. After an almost perfect campaign, he triumphed again during the 1958 season, 250cc category. It must be said that MVs dominate, but with “the Volpe” as a teammate, it's impossible to sleep peacefully. Unfortunately for him, Ubbiali had the last word in 1959; the “bull of Bologna” is a double world vice-champion.
The situation is untenable at MV Agusta. From then on, Provini responded to the call of Moto Morini, a small manufacturer from Bologna. The motorcycles are promising, but the company's ambition is no match for Tarquinio's. He dreams of a world championship, while Morini favors Italy. Especially since the Japanese are starting to invade the gates. We must respond before it is too late. It was only in 1963 that the firm decided to return full-time to the world, 250cc category for Provini. The main opponents ride Hondas or Yamahas and all of Italy's hopes rest on its shoulders.
A FB Mondial 125 Gran Sport MSDS derived from the series. Photo: El Caganer
His season started in the best possible way with two consecutive victories. But Morini refuses to register for the Tourist Trophy, considered too expensive and dangerous. Too bad, because Provini had already won there four times in his career. Two more victories late in the season cannot contain the return of the legendary Jim Redman on Honda. An ear infection in Japan, for the last round, permanently deprived him of the title.
Passed to Benelli in 1964 (as well as at
Kreidler for a season in 50cc), he is no longer the same after 30 years. He won two more races over the following years, including a great victory at the 1965 Grand Prix of Nations, at home. During the Tourist trophy 1966, he was seriously injured and decided to end his already well-rounded career.
In total, Provini has two world titles, 20 victories for four different manufacturers in just 50 races contested, in addition to 12 Italian championships, of course.. Provini died in 2005, aged 72. His legacy is important, and there is no doubt that he greatly contributed to the emergence of the championship that we all love today.
Did you know this forgotten legend? Tell us in the comments!
Cover photo: Provini in Assen in 1959. Photo: ANEFO
