Africa is not known for its pilots, cars or motorcyclists. However, several world champions, sometimes forgotten, were born in these latitudes. Even though they are rare, their presence cannot be forgotten. Here are the 10 greatest African pilots of all time.
The rules and honorable mentions have already been clarified in the
first part, published yesterday.
No. 10: Darryn Binder (1998-)
Let's start right away with an active pilot. Darryn Binder, future MotoGP rider, is South African like his brother. Certainly, his career has not yet really taken off, but he can boast a place in this top 10, for several reasons.
Firstly, it is a prominent pilot, in a large structure Moto3 (Petronas). This visibility, accompanied by a driving style that is often harsh on humans, allowed him to sign with WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team
for the year 2022. Just the fact of reaching the premier category is a great achievement and allows him to stand out from a lot of other Africans.
Secondly, let's remember that he is still a Grand Prix winner! Darryn won in Catalonia last year, before scoring another podium in Aragon. This year, the little brother seems to have calmed his enthusiasm somewhat and remains on a good run (eight consecutive races in the top 10 at the time of writing).
A great progression that gives a glimpse of a healthy mind. Will it arrive, after Gary McCoy et Jack Miller, to transform the test into the premier category without an intermediary? Hard to believe, but our sport has already shown us that anything is possible.
No. 9: Bruce Beale (1941-2002)
Beale was a pilot Rhodesian, one of the great nationalities of African motorcycle sport. As a reminder, the
Rhodesia was a British colony located in southern Africa, in the current territory of the
Zambia and Zimbabwe, in place until 1980. Bruce was therefore one of these talents from the country who arrived in the 1950s/1960s on the old continent. Although he never raced in 500cc, he was part of the team
Honda during the seasons 1964, 1965 and 1966. Specializing in the 350cc, he finished 2nd in the 1964 season behind his teammate, compatriot and friend Jim Redman, which we will talk about a little later.
Despite eight career podiums, Bruce Beale never won a single race. These fairly consistent results over three seasons put him a hair ahead Darryn Binder, but the order could well be reversed in the years to come. Bruce retired at the end of 1966 as Honda focused on its 500cc program. Close to the mechanic with golden hands Derek “Nobby” Clark (preparer of Agostini andHaiwood), the Rhodesian trio marked the history of Continental Circus.
The Honda CR93 driven by Bruce Beale. Photo: Rikita
That's all for today ! See you tomorrow to discover places n°8 and n°7 in our ranking!
