Giacomo Agostini is an Italian multi-time world champion Grand Prix motorcycle road racer.
15 Facts About Giacomo Agostini
2.
In 2000, Agostini was inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame as a MotoGP Legend, while in 2010, he was named an FIM Legend for his motorcycling achievements.
3.
Giacomo Agostini's family was from Lovere, where his father was employed in the local town council.
4.
The oldest of four brothers, Giacomo Agostini initially had to steal away to compete, first in hill climb events and then in road racing, as his father did not approve of his son's motorcycle racing career and did everything he could to persuade him not to race.
5.
Giacomo Agostini got his break when Morini factory rider Tarquinio Provini left the team to ride for Benelli.
6.
Giacomo Agostini then fought a season-long battle with Honda's Jim Redman for the 1965 350cc world championship.
7.
Giacomo Agostini seemed to have the title won when he led the final round in Japan at Suzuka when his bike failed him, handing the title to Redman.
8.
Giacomo Agostini dropped a bombshell on the Grand Prix world when he announced he would never again race at the Isle of Man TT, after the death of his close friend, Gilberto Parlotti during the 1972 TT.
9.
Giacomo Agostini considered the 37 mile circuit unsafe for world championship competition.
10.
Giacomo Agostini went on to claim the 1974 350cc World Championship but injuries and mechanical problems kept him from winning the 500cc crown.
11.
Giacomo Agostini rebounded and won the 1975 500cc title, marking the first time a two-stroke machine won the premier class.
12.
Giacomo Agostini retired from motorcycle competition after finishing 6th in the 1977 season in which he raced in 750cc endurance races for Yamaha.
13.
Giacomo Agostini competed in non-championship Formula One races in 1978.
14.
Giacomo Agostini competed in the European Formula 2 series in a Chevron B42-BMW and British Aurora Formula 1 with his own team and a Williams FW06.
15.
In 1982, Giacomo Agostini returned to motorcycle racing as the Marlboro Yamaha team manager.