We understand each other among motorsport icons and Franco Uncini is among the legends of motorcycling. Well before Valentino Rossi was born he drove his opponents crazy on the track.
The MotoGP is full of stories and characters that have redefined the canons of motorcycling challenges. The Marche native began to get noticed on the track riding a Laverda 750 SFC, in the 750 class, winning the 1974 Coppa Campidoglio on the Vallelunga track. His debut in the World Championship came in 1976 with Yamahawith which he competed in 350 and 250, recording his first victory in the Spanish Grand Prix.
During his long journey he also competed for Harley Davidson, with which he won two races in the quarter liter class. Equipped with a very decisive character, Franco Unici was supported by Suzuki in the big leap into the premier class.
The first results did not live up to his ambitions, but in 1982 the centaur from Civitanova Marche won with 5 victories and 2 third places. His style would be comparable to that of many modern young people with a light structure.
The MotoGP world admired Uncini’s exploits until 1985. For Suzuki they were golden years with 7 consecutive manufacturers’ titles. An impressive dominance that enhanced the performance of the Japanese bikes.
For almost twenty years he remained the last Italian world champion of the top class until another Marche native took the chair, known by the name of Valentino Rossi. Do you know who Valentino Rossi’s manager was? Find out in this in-depth study!
Uncini’s message
Speaking to TuttoMotoriWeb.it, in a long interview with director Antonio Russo, the 1982 world champion discussed various topics. His passion for motorbikes began, like many other boys, at the age of 14.
“From the age of fifty at 16 you go to 125 and at 18, when instead I had to get my driving licence, my father wanted to buy me the car and I cleverly, seeing as I was already dreaming of racing, asked for the motorbike and in the end I managed with the help of my mother and brother to convince my father to buy me the motorbike“, Uncini confessed.
“What did you feel when Valentino Rossi took over from you? In reality, Valentino Rossi teased me twice. Until that moment, therefore for 19 years, I remained the last Italian world champion in the 500 class. Once an Italian beat me I thought that at least I would remain the last one from the Marche but no, even if only for a few km Tavullia is in the Marche region. At this point I remained the last world champion of the 500 class in Recanati“, commented Uncini.
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