Report From Italy
REPORT FROM ITALY
CARLO PERELLI
ITALIAN GP SEASON ENDS
Agostini closed the Italian season with a pair of wins at the hillish Ospedaletti circuit, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea near the French border.
It was somewhat of a polemic meeting. Benelli withdrew for the season following the Italian GP, and it is rumored that a new top man will be hired for 1971 (Hailwood?). So Pasolini, annoyed with the Pesaro factory, asked permission to be Aermaechi mounted. But this was refused and hot words followed from both sides.
And Agostini was annoyed by the benevolence of the Count and the Italian press towards his new teammate Bergamonti. (Bergamonti has been signed until 1972 by the MV factory and Ago hasn't been asked to do the same.) As a result. Ago was out to show his supremacy and the crowd benefitted from one of his best performances.
In the 350 race. Bergamonti finished a close 2nd to Ago who, incidentally, smashed the famous Pasolini-Benelli 1968 record for the total distance and the lap. Carruthers (Yamaha Twin) was untouched by the gremlins that troubled him all season, and was 3rd in the 350.
Ago also won the 500, which was reduced from 24 to 20 laps because of darkness. Bergamonti was 2nd, but is constantly showing signs of improvement.
In the 250, Carruthers was last away, but rode vigorously and took the win by 14 sec. over Grassetti (works MZ). Visenzi (Yamaha) was 3rd.
Italian champion Gilberto Parlotti won both the smaller classes. In the 50, riding his usual Yugoslavian Tomos, he had little difficulty overcoming Lombardi (Guazzoni) and Ringhini (Morbidelli).
But in the 1 25 race, Parlotti really had to struggle with Simmonds (Kawasaki) and Bergamonti (Aermaechi) before snatching victory at the finish line.
Ospedaletti counted as the fourth and last Italian senior championship event. Titles went to Parlotti in the 50-cc class and to Ago in both the 350 and 500. The 250 class is still to he decided between Visenzi and Grassetti. Grassetti was slow in practice, hut organizers let him compete anyway, despite protests from other riders. The matter is now in Italian Federation han ds.
A SCRAMBLER FOR 17 YEARS
Scrambling is hard on even the strongest physique. Therefore, it is difficult to compete successfully at this bone-shaking activity for more than 10 years-even if you start early.
But in Italy, Emilio Ostorero is a conspicuous exception. He began scrambling in 1953. In 1970. he won both the 250 and 500 senior titles, riding a Husqvarna and Bultaco respectively.
Born in 1934, Ostorero has conquered no less than 16 national titles in his 17-year career. He has raced in all types of motorcycle competition and is the only Italian to win a world championship event-the 250 Italian GP at Avigliana in I960, riding a factory ohc Bianchi Twin.
FOR LUCKY GUYS ONLY
If you are lucky and have influential friendships inside the factory, if you are patient and can wait six months, if you have approximately S2000 to spend, then you can purchase the most appealing single-cylinder motorcycle manufactured today in Italy a bench-tested Ducati 450 Desmo, specially modified and tuned by the Bologna works racing and experimental shop.
This mouth-watering mount has no less than 40 bhp at 9000 rpm claimed at the rear wheel. Weight is only 297 lb. in running order, including a fairing. Aided by a five-speed transmission and a somewhat noisy exhaust, acceleration is really breathtaking. Top speed is over 120 mph.
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The base for this machine is the 450 Desmo raced brilliantly by Bruno Spaggiari in the Italian spring meetings. Engine modifications include a mammoth 40-mm SS Dellorto carburetor with a separate float chamber, larger ducts and valves, a stronger crankshaft/ connecting rod assembly, heavy-duty bearings, and a domed piston which gives a 10.5:1 compression ratio. Double ignition is optional.
The suspension consists of Ceriani GP components. The rear brake is standard, but the front sports new Campagnolo discs with hydraulic control. (Campagnolo is an old firm which specializes in disc brakes. Their units are also fitted on formula one Ferraris.)
Borrani light alloy rims are shod with 3.25-18 Dunlop KR 83 tires front and rear. And these tires make it possible to use the excellent frame and suspension system to its limit.
LIGHTWEIGHT DIRT MOUNTS
German engines are in vogue among the Italian dirt mount specialists. Two of the most successful builders, Muller and Gori. have just announced attractive models fitted with Zundapp 50. 100, 125, and Sachs 50 and 1 25 units. All are equipped with five-speed transmissions.
The bikes, ranging in price from $500 to $766, according to engine type and tuning, are noticeable for their businesslike, yet elegant, lines. Should you he interested, here are the addresses of the factory: Gori, via Manfredi 1, Firenze; Muller, via Cavour, Robecco d’ Oglio (Brescia).
