Retrospective: Giacomo Agostini's greatest achievement

Even if you've never seen him race, the name Agostini definitely means something to you. For many, he is the best, the greatest, the one who will never be equaled. It must be said that his fifteen world titles, including eight in the premier category, represent an impressive track record. Throughout his career, the “ King Ago » has accumulated exploits of all kinds due to its undivided domination. We could talk about his twelve consecutive world titles in 350cc and 500cc from 1967 to 1973, or his streak of invincibility long twenty races. But today, we are going to look at another achievement, which, for us, further enshrines Ago' in the legend.

When you are told Agostini, the vast majority of you think of MV Agusta, is right. His relationship with the Italian manufacturer extended from 1965 to 1973, a period where he racked up records as crazy as each other. Then comes the question of competition. In 350cc as in 500cc, we quickly noticed that the challenge was well within the machine's reach, and that the opponents had difficulty getting into tune. This does not detract from the legend of Agostini, but we must recognize that the end of the 1960s was undoubtedly the least contested period in all of history. Ginger Molloy, Gyula Marsovszky ou Keith Turner, all vice-world champions behind Agostini, were good riders, but simply did not evolve in the same universe, equipped with much less efficient bikes.

 

From a historical perspective, what was Agostini missing? After all, he was not responsible for the poverty of the grid. He could take on a new challenge and start from scratch with another brand. Challenge accepted.

It all began in 1973. Agostini injured his leg during tests for MV, and during his convalescence, did not hesitate to criticize his employer as well as his teammate Phil Read. The year ends, and Giacomo captures yet another 350cc title. Thunderbolt in December, where from Milan, the legend announced that he was leaving MV Agusta for Yamaha! The Japanese manufacturer was already well established in small categories, but sorely lacked performance in 500cc. Jarno Saarinen represented an enormous hope, but his death in May 1973 caused the official withdrawal of the brand, now worn by Bruno Kneubühler et Werner Giger.

Therefore, the challenge is significant. The year 1974 promises to be tough, with three builders engaged full-time; a first since 1957. Keep in mind that Agostini will celebrate his 32nd birthday, but that does not prevent him from performing well. Even before the start of the season, he won the 200 miles of Imola but also the Daytona 200. From the start of the championship, the suspense takes a hit. Agostini triumphs at the French Grand Prix, 350cc category, for his first world outing with Yamaha. In the 500cc race, a broken piston destroyed the feat and left the door open for his rival Phil Read.

Two races later, Ago is already a winner in 500cc. Candidate for the asserted title, he struggles somewhat due to recurring mechanical problems. Mid-season, MV Agusta decided to focus 100% on entering the premier category. From then on, the 350cc coronation opened for Ago. A choppy end to the year punctuated by injuries leaves the most coveted title to Phil Read. Fortunately, he still managed to grab the 350cc title in Yugoslavia, at the end of the effort.

This year 1974 was more than promising. Yamaha was fast, and the worn 500cc two-stroke can definitely compete with the competition. At Paul Ricard, for the opening round, the tuning fork firm strikes a big blow. She won every race on two wheels, and of course, it was Agostini who took the 500cc victory. Read is embarrassed by the hazardous handling of his MV Agusta. The real turning point of the season takes place at Hockenheim. Agostini and Read are both on track, and are engaged in a sensational battle for victory. The Briton shoots straight ahead, leaving the laurels to the Italian; a significant psychological blow.

In the prime of life, he is unleashed. At Imola, he made a spectacular comeback from last to second place in 350cc, and triumphed again in 500cc! The track is invaded by the delirious crowd, who sense that the tide has turned. Certainly, he has been slower in 350cc since the start of the year. The main objective remains the coronation in the premier category. Giacomo is in trouble at mid-season, but fortunately Read and Suzuki sensation Barry Sheene share the points. Struck by bad luck, he died in Sweden and had to leave command of the general to his former teammate.

 

But history is on his side. In Finland, he won the race ahead Länsivuori, while Read and Sheene cannot see the finish line! Everything will be decided in Czechoslovakia, near Brno, for the penultimate Grand Prix of the season. Read was forced to win, and had to hope for a break on Agostini's side, which was not so rare at that time. The MV Agusta driver starts in the lead, eager to provoke destiny himself. When the breakage of the two Suzukis was announced, Agostini knew it was for him. He manages second place, and wins his 15th world title! The ins and outs linked to this coronation are worthy of a film: he wins ahead of his rival, and puts an end to 17 years of 500cc titles won by MV Agusta riders! This is also the first championship for a 500cc two-stroke machine…

This was his last masterstroke, his “Nürburgring 1957”. Partly returning to MV Agusta, he was unable to contain the new generation, and accumulated far too many retirements to play anything. After a great year in 1977 with Yamaha, a sort of farewell tour, Agostini faded from the world circuits... at least as a driver. These two years 1974 and 1975 are, in our opinion, Ago's greatest achievement. Taking on a challenge like this, while battling against your former competitor is greater than winning titles against weaker opposition.

What do you think ? Did you have Agostini's Yamaha years in mind? Tell us in the comments!

 

Cover photo: Yamaha Community