Lucchinelli recalls forged signature and early racing days

Marco Lucchinelli, the 1981 500cc world champion, has spoken about his career and his approach to life at the Festival dello Sport in Trento. Interviewed by Lorenzo Baroni of Gazzetta dello Sport, the 72-year-old admitted he had probably thrown away at least one more world title, not through lack of talent but because he enjoyed other things too.

Lucchinelli began far from today's riding schools. His family worked in earthmoving, but he preferred motorcycles. His parents refused to sign the permission form for him to race, so he had a friend pose as his father at a notary. The attempt was discovered immediately, and he began racing the following year.

In 1976 he joined the Gallina team and quickly impressed, chasing Giacomo Agostini at Modena before a rear brake problem ended his hopes. His 500cc debut came at Le Mans, where Barry Sheene reportedly joked about who had set the fastest time.