Retrospective: You forgot this world champion! 1/7

After the 2022 season, there are 128 : This is the number of different world champions who have marked the history of Motorcycle Grand Prix, All categories. This number may seem enormous, although it does not take into account sidecars, too often forgotten. However, a good number of surnames are familiar. Being a world champion, regardless of engine size, is the achievement of a lifetime. Moreover, the majority of elected officials, on 74 years old history of the organization, have also performed at the highest level, or at least, left a sufficiently important mark for them to be remembered. But this is not the case for everyone. Together, let's return to the forgotten, those who left only their world coronation.

To avoid going too far back in time, we are going to look at relatively recent men (after 1969). To begin, let's talk about the career of a former pilot who will only celebrate his 42nd birthday. Her name : Gábor Talmácsi.

You noticed, when reading its name, that these sounds are not common worldwide. Indeed, Gábor is Hungarian, a nationality underrepresented in our sport despite the great cultural heritage of this rich country. The start of his career is completely classic for a champion: A sensational debut at the national level, then a wildcard in the 125cc world championship at the 1997 Czech Republic Grand Prix.

Its geographical area does not allow it to compete with the best. It is for this reason that Gábor becomes itinerant on the old continent, until finding a full-time place for 2001. His first laps as a world driver are not sensational, but Talmácsi is progressing. After five successive team changes, the Hungarian fell in love with the Official KTM. The Austrian firm believes in its talent, and once again, is not wrong. Podium in China, then first victory in Italy, followed by two others during the season. However, his career could have taken a completely different turn at the end of this campaign.

 

Indeed, Gábor Talmácsi went against the racing instructions, indirectly depriving his teammate Mika Kallio of the title after overtaking him for victory at Losail. Four rounds later, Thomas Luthi was titled under the nose of the Finn for… only five points, the gap between victory and second place in Qatar. KTM gave up on the Hungarian rider, who had to find another place for 2006. A difficult year on an underperforming Honda, but a call from Jorge Martinez changes the situation.

“Aspar”, at the head of the famous team “Bank”, offers a golden bridge to the Hungarian after his disappointments. And Gábor doesn't need to be asked. From the start of the season, he showed himself to be one of the fastest in the category, this time on a top Aprilia. Stunning consistency saw him stand out, only slowed by a mechanical problem in Britain. Alone Héctor Faubel, his teammate, follows the pace. The two do not let go of each other all year long and an outcome in Valencia is inevitable.

Talmácsi benefits from a cushion of 10 points, a significant lead at this stage. Faced with pressure, “Talmaggedon” did not tremble and transformed the attempt thanks to a second place. He thus became the first Hungarian world champion in history, to date the only. Following this great success, he signed a new contract with Martínez, who promised him a new year in 125cc with a title to defend (a fairly rare occurrence) and a move to 250cc for 2009. Retaining the title in such open and competitive categories is no easy feat. Despite three victories and six other podiums, Talmácsi loses his n°1 and “only” finishes third overall, dominated by our national Mike Di Meglio and Simone Corsi. We must, however, remember to this epic victory in Assen, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful finishes of the decade.

Basically, things go downhill from there. Until now, nothing predestined Gábor to appear in this series of articles. The move to 250cc was correct, but a quarrel linked to image rights led to a brutal separation from the Aspar team. Then the impossible happens. With the support of its sponsor MOL Group, a Hungarian oil company, Scot Racing Team organizes its move to MotoGP, anticipating the great financial difficulties of Yuki Takahashi. So, of course, there's no point expecting good performances when you join the premier category mid-season, and even more so on a Honda from the back of the grid. Talmácsi suffers, but does not give in.

 

The challenge was too great. The Hungarian decides to take a step down, and return to the newly introduced Moto2 world championship alongside a certain Andrea Iannone. On chassis Speed ​​Up, Gábor had a decent campaign, marked by a podium in Aragón and a pole in Portugal. Then nothing. Faced with the inability to agree with a new team for the 2011 season, he decides to take a year off. At 29 already, it wasn't the brightest idea. He never found a ride in motorcycle Grands Prix, but turned to the Supersport championship, which he joined mid-2012 season, without success.

The 2013 season didn't get off to a better start, but a terrible incident prematurely ended his career. In Portugal, his engine exploded and propelled a piece of metal through his left leg, destroying everything in its path. He did not leave the paddocks, however, and even managed a team at European level until the end of 2015. But the disappearance was already recorded.

Gábor Talmácsi fell into oblivion quite quickly, and what a shame given his fantastic 2007 season. Better career management could have brought him to the top, but unfortunately, the high level is extremely difficult, probably even more so when you're not Spanish or Italian. What memories do you have of him? Tell us in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Jerko