Two gloriours Italian motorcycle marques and two fine pilots returned to the IoM for the Centenary TT; MV Agusta who, in the past, played a massive role in the TT story with lots of fantastic results, including 34 victories, prepared an F4 312R Superstock for Irish ace, Martin
Finnegan who achieved a fantastic 4th place in the Superstock; hopefully, this will lead to further commitment in international road races. MV also took part in the Parade of Champions with 15 times World Champion, and 10 times TT winner, Giacomo Agostini on a 500 three cylinder from the Elli’s collection; four times Superbike World Champion and 3 times TT Winner Carl Fogarty rode a modern F41000.

The other glorious Italian motorcycle marque to take part was the Paton; Roberto Pattoni – son of Giuseppe Pattoni, the Paton founder, - together with many enthusisastic friends, such as Giovanni Cabassi and Roberto Crepaldi of the CR&S Factory (which built a fantastic
monocylinder 650cc street bike named “Vun”, meaning “One” -
see http://www.crs-motorcycles.com) brought a beautiful 500 V4 GP two stroke to the IoM
which was ridden by TT specialist Steve Linsdell, who also races a twin cyclinder
DOCH 4 stroke Paton in the Classic Senior MGP. Unfortunately, the thoroughbred machine was forced to retire at the end of the 4th lap in the Senior. The Paton 500 V4 GP was the most admired bike in the TT Paddock ...when it was fired up, hundreds of fans arrived at the Paton’s tent to listen and photograph this beautiful masterpiece created by Pattoni’s
hands. However, there was soon to be success for the Paton on the IoM in 2007 when Ryan Farquhar and Steve Linsdell both rode brilliantly to finish first and third, respectively, in the Senior Classic MGP.

The pilots taking part in the Centenary TT were Stefano Bonetti, in the Superstock, Supersport and Senior, and Angelo Conti in the Supersport.

Stefano raced at the NW200 with a very good 22nd place in the SS; on the Island, after the decision to postpone the Superbike from the Saturday to the Monday and the Superstock from Monday to Tuesday, Stefano decided to concentrate his efforts on the Superstock
and so didn’t take part in the SBK. In the Superstock he rode his Suzuki GSX-R K6, achieving an excellent 23rd position; in the Supersport he rode a Honda CBR600RR, loaned by the VerCar Moto Team, on which he finished 30th. In the prestigious Senior, again riding his Suzuki, Stefano achieved a stunning 21st place and with the time of 18’ 47.35 at
120.485 mph set the fastest time by an Italian around the TT Course.

Former European Supersport Champion, Angelo Conti, decided to concentrate his efforts on one class. As a newcomer, riding his brand new Triumph 675 Daytona he secured qualification after only one practice session; in the race he achieved a briliant 54th position.
Both Italian pilots were very enthusiastic about their performances and, most probably,
will return for TT 2008... the story will continue!!!!!
 

Pier Ortalda