Page 15 - Le Roi aux 15 Couronnes

1965
> 350cc MV Agusta 3 cylinder 1st
It was your first Grand Prix with MV Agusta and your first triumph with the brand-new 350cc 3 cylinder MV. How did it feel to beat Mike Hailwood and Jim Redman, the two best riders at that time ?
At the Nürburgring, I was really very nervous. I had just signed with MV Agusta and was aware that I wasn’t there to have fun.
The day before the race, the axis of the oil pump broke. The mechanic worked most of the night to repair the bike.
I was so focused during the race that I didn’t even notice it was raining, and I kept riding as if the track was dry.
After Jim Redman took the lead in the event, I was in second place. On the fourth lap, I took command.
At that point, I picked up the pace to leave him behind, but Jim was still gaining ground. So I opened the throttle wide to outrun him again, but then he crashed.
I passed the chequered flag ahead of Mike Hailwood on the old 4 cylinder MV Agusta and the Czechoslovakian rider Gustav Havel on his Jawa.
By joining MV Agusta, I’d become a professional rider with great responsibilities. I met a lot of people, but my serious mission was to win the title in 350cc: the MV Agusta factory had chosen me to win.
I won the race and cried on the podium. It was my first victory in the World Championship. What an amazing memory!
GP Nürburgring, au départ, Giacomo devant le Russe Endel Kiisa sur sa 350cc Vostok. Sur le podium de sa première victoire en GP. Ago tout seul après la chute de Jim Redman.
GP Nürburgring, at the start, Giacomo in front of the Russian Endel Kiisa on his 350cc Vostok. On the podium of his first GP victory. Ago all alone after the fall of Jim Redman.
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