During the 1960s and early 1970s, Agostini was a prominent figure, achieving an impressive 15 world titles in grand prix motorcycle racing. Notably, eight of these victories were in the premier class, which is currently recognized as MotoGP.
Between 1963 and 1977, Agostini accomplished an extraordinary feat by securing an impressive 122 grand prix wins, surpassing the wildest dreams of many.
From 1967 to 1972, Agostini displayed remarkable consistency by emerging victorious in every race he participated in the 350cc and 500cc categories from 1968 to 1970.
But how things could have been different, had an approach by Ferrari to bring the Italian legend to Formula 1 between 1966 and 1967 come off.
Ferrari, naturally, had experience in supporting a legendary bike racer – as John Surtees achieved victory in the F1 world championship in 1964 while racing for the Scuderia.
After being urged by Enzo Ferrari, Agostini decided to test drive a Ferrari Dino 206 Berlinetta in Modena. This experience made him contemplate the idea of changing his career path.
Agostini informs Motorsport.com’s French edition that Ferrari had him test drive a vehicle.
I frequently encountered him in Modena since Ferrari was conducting tests on the same track as me.
“He proposed the idea to me, I conducted the examination, and pondered over it for several days. A significant amount of contemplation… It is Ferrari who is presenting you with a vehicle!”
Enzo Ferrari alongside Giacomo Agostini, the champion of motorcycle racing.
Photo by: David Phipps / Motorsport Images
Agostini carefully considered the option of switching to Ferrari’s F1 team, but ultimately realized his true passion was for motorcycles. Enzo Ferrari respected and understood Agostini’s decision.
Agostini reasoned that since his birth, he has always contemplated two wheels rather than four. Therefore, he questioned the need to abandon his passion now that he has achieved success, consistently winning and ascending the podium every Sunday.
“Why should I leave something that has made me dream since I was born?
“I never imagined owning cars, my dreams were filled with motorcycles. Therefore, I declined and accepted that I had to be content with what I already possessed and remain in my current location.”
“What occupied my mind the most was the affection I held for a pair of wheels. That was the predominant thought in my head.”
Why was I considering two wheels instead of four? And why should I abandon them at this point?
“When I encountered Enzo Ferrari, he acknowledged and responded with ‘I comprehend you’. He grasped the depth of my earnestness.”
Giacomo Agostini, Williams FW06 Ford
Photo by: Ercole Colombo
Agostini, after his career in bike racing, went on to participate in Formula 2 and the British F1 Championship. While he did achieve success on the podium, it was not comparable to his accomplishments on two wheels.
He would ultimately go on to be a team manager for Yamaha’s factory squad in the 1980s, winning three 500cc titles with Eddie Lawson. He also helmed Cagiva in the 1990s briefly before the marque withdrew at the end of 1994.
Leave a Reply