Giacomo Agostini Italian motorcycle champion Date of Birth: 16.06.1942 Country: Italy

1. Career of Giacomo Agostini
2. Early Years
3. Rise to Stardom
4. Partnership with Phil Read
5. Achievements and Records

Career of Giacomo Agostini

Giacomo Agostini, the Italian motorcycle champion, is truly impressive when you take a quick look at his career. Agostini is a megastar in the history of motorcycle racing, with 17 years in the sport, 15 different titles, dozens of serious crashes, and, of course, the longest track record in MotoGP.

Early Years

Agostini first tried his hand at hill climbing on a motorcycle, riding the Morini 175 Settebello, in the American style races. He then got an offer from the Morini team to join their road racing team, replacing the injured Provini, in 1964. And so it began.

Rise to Stardom

Agostini caught the attention of MV Agusta. Under the wing of Mike Hailwood, the rising star from Brescia got the chance to try himself in the Grand Prix races and... His motorcycle, the first bike built for a rider, was a three-cylinder 350cc bike. Agostini won his first race in 1965, at the Nürburgring circuit. In 1966, he claimed his first title, though he had to give way to his mentor. Agostini finished both the 1966 and 1967 seasons with uncompromising victories, and he also won the Grand Prix of Nations in Monza. MV Agusta dominated the Championship with Agostini until 1972.

Partnership with Phil Read

Young Englishman Phil Read joined Agostini's team. Who would have thought that the "green" teammate would better understand and appreciate the latest 4-cylinder MV engine design? Agostini again won in the 350cc class, but in the 500cc class, Read surpassed him. Agostini returned to the top of the championship in 1975, winning the 500cc class, but this time on a Yamaha.

Achievements and Records

- Career start: July 1961
- Wins in 311 races
- Grand Prix victories: 122
- Wins in the Isle of Man TT: 12
- National Championship titles: 18
- World Championship titles: 15