You definitely have some in mind. You know, those pilots who have a great career, exceptional accomplishments but who no one talks about. These are underrated, not appreciated at their true value. In motorcycle Grand Prix as in all other sports, we find them in spades, who sometimes pay the price of an attitude that is not strong enough, of an unfavorable era or of many other parameters. Together, let's draw up a top 10 of the most underrated riders in the history of motorcycle Grand Prix.
Yesterday, we presented the 8th and 7th places, in an article that you can find in by clicking here. If you would like to know the selection criteria as well as the honorable mentions, click here.
6) Teuvo Länsivuori
Of course, “Tepi” is part of this top 10. As for others, we have already dedicated a complete retrospective which you can find by clicking here. As a result, he is both forgotten and underrated.
Arrived in 1969 on Yamaha, Teuvo quickly stands out due to its consistency in performance. However, we had to wait until 1972 to see him complete his first full season, entered in both 250cc and 350cc. He reached the podium in both categories, and represented, with Jarno Saarinen, the future Finnish force in motorcycle Grand Prix. Moreover, the two have known each other for a long time.
In 1973, the year of Saarinen's death, "Tepi" began to win his first races, and finished vice-world champion in 250cc as well as in 350cc. The transition to 500cc happens naturally, and goes well, which is not always the case at this time.
After only a few races, the rookie began to win, to take pole positions against a grid which was regaining color after the period dominated by Giacomo Agostini. In 1975, he joined the ranks of Suzuki in the premier category and surprise, he was as strong as before, if not more. He continued to collect podiums until becoming vice-world champion in 1976, only beaten by Barry Sheene.
As with others at Suzuki, it was difficult to match the British star. And yet, Teuvo appeared before the Marco Lucchinelli and other Pat Hennen. By 27 podiums in 78 races, he is definitely one of those drivers who do not get the recognition they deserve, hence his place in the rankings.
5) Eugenio Lazzarini
Eugenio could have been on the podium for this top. His name is very rarely mentioned, and many do not even know him. However, this is not a simple world champion, nor a double, but a triple! Studying its results, one wonders if it is really real.
For him too, his career began in 1969, but already focused on small engines. In 1973, the talent was identified with a first success in the 125cc class. Since that date, and until 1984 (!), Eugenio Lazarini (cover photo) continues to be good, even excellent.
125cc world champion in 1978 on a, then 50cc champion in 1979 on Kreidler, followed by a final coronation in 50cc during the 1980 season, this time on iprem. But that's not the most impressive thing, whatever. Lazzarini has finished eight times vice-world champion in career, which must constitute a record in itself, to be verified.
At 39 years old for his last season, he failed to win the 125cc title against Angel Nieto, getting on the podium in every heat he finishes. Absolutely incredible. In total, it is 81 podiums, 27 victories et 14 pole en 132 races, for a pilot relatively forgotten these days. Remember that he won at least one Grand Prix on six different machines (Maico, Rainy rain, Kreidler, Morbidely, iprem et Garelli).
This is also why he cannot climb higher in this top 10. Of course, those who know him appreciate his enormous talent, but it is more forgotten than underrated. Given his accomplishments, he absolutely had to be part of this ranking.
That's all for today ! To find the rest of this ranking with places No. 4 and No. 3, click on this highlighted sentence ! Don’t hesitate to give us your top 10 in the comments!
Cover photo: adriaan4