Johnny Cecotto back on two wheels at Spa-Francorchamps

The Venezuelan was a real sensation when he took the mighty Giacomo Agostini's 350 world title in 1975 at only nineteen years old. The Belgian crowds also witnessed Cecotto winning that year at Spa-Francorchamps: in the 250 class he beat the far more experienced Harley-Davidson duo of Michel Rougerie and Walter Villa. In 1976 the newly crowned 350 world champ held the entire world elite at bay at the famous Daytona 200. Two years later Johnny underlined his versatile nature as a racer by also clinching the F750 world title in his characteristic flowing style after also having won 500 cc Grands Prix.
After the 1980 season Cecotto changed from two wheels to four. As a car racer the fourteen time Grand Prix winner on two wheels also gained considerable success. Cecotto made it to Formule 1 and later developed into a highly respected Touring Car racer.
After having had a modest taste of the action at last year's 200 Miglia di Imola Revival in his second home Italy at Spa-Francorchamps the 55 year old now throws his leg over the slim seat of a Yamaha, the brand Cecotto rode throughout his bike career. The Yamaha Classic Racing Team is preparing a 120 bhp wonderfully looking OW45 1979 500cc racer for the Bikers' Classics first timer. At Spa Cecotto will also meet up with Steve Baker. In 1977 the two were team-mates at the official Yamaha factory team. Baker will ride the OW31 at Spa-Francorchamps. Will the American let his old team-mate have a go on the brutal 750cc four cylinder as well?