Although discreet these days, the English were once at the top of the motorcycle Grand Prix. It was the Anglo-Italian rivalry of the 1950s that launched the world championship in the most beautiful way, well before any media coverage. In 70 years, the country marked the history of this sport. Currently, only Italy and Spain are doing better in terms of number of titles. Here we are again with a brand new top 10! It’s time for the rankings.
As with each edition (we have already dealt with
Français,
Honda drivers,
of the Japanese,
Australiens …), we will remind you of the rules. First of all, it is important to understand that this top 10 is subjective, although based on facts and on an observation that could be described as objective. So some placements are questionable, so don't hesitate to comment in the comments! As usual, all will be read with passion.
This exercise aims more to celebrate, to honor, more than to classify. Furthermore, the main criterion is not intrinsic speed, but grandeur, the mark left by the pilot in history.
A 500cc title is naturally worth more than a coronation in 250 tsp, but it is the character and the heart that are rewarded.
Last little clarification. These are drivers only.
Motorcycle Grand Prix, the Superbike
and road races not being taken into account.
Carl Fogarty undoubtedly had the natural talent to be in the top 10, but his results in GP only did not allow him to be in the discussion. It's all good ? So let's go !
Fogarty is in pole position for a top 10 Superbike rider finish. Photo: GDFL
In this first part, let's start with the honorable mentions. We might as well tell you that the number is immense, and not all of them can be cited. Among others, the world champions that are
Danny Kent, Dave Simmonds, Bob Foster, Rodney Gould, Ron Haslam, Chas Mortimer or Freddie Firth, although their overall records are simply too meager. Come on, we can even mention Scott Redding, to please his many fans.
You've probably noticed, but "brits" are rare in the paddocks. In the MotoGP era (since 2002), only a few are doing well, like James Toseland.
We're sure you were expecting it later, but
Cal Crutchlow is already appearing. Certainly, English victories in premier categories are extremely rare in the 21st century, but there are too many beautiful people to put him in front. This character definitely marked the 2010 decade with his strong character, and his strong tongue, associated with his brilliant handlebar stroke.
Bill Ivy was much closer to tenth place than Cal. “ Little Bill », legendary driver, distinguished himself in the 1960s with a 125cc world champion title (1967), and several other performances in small categories. Legend Yamaha , he crossed swords with his teammate Phil Read, which we will perhaps find later in the ranking…
Bill Ivy, another hero gone too soon. Photo: Raimund Kommer
His rockstar face and his precise driving boosted his popularity among fans, but he lacked the 500cc to be part of the final selection. For information, he tragically disappeared on the
Sachsenring on the occasion of 1969 East German Grand Prix, aged 26 years old.
That's all for today ! Who are the 10th and 9th greatest English drivers in history ? See you tomorrow, same time to find out!
Photo: Michelin Motorsport
