Chili on the Cagiva: that elusive red dream at Mugello

Mugello Circuit: a stage for often epic endeavours, at times heralded and occasionally grazed.

Just like it unfolded back in 1995 on the picturesque Tuscan track, which will play host to the sixth round of the 2023 season next week, this is an event truly not to be missed.

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Eighteen years ago, the Italian Grand Prix unfolded on the exact same dates as this year, from June 9th to 11th, and it featured a special wildcard: Pierfrancesco Chili, who was simultaneously engaged in the WorldSBK series, straddled a spine-tingling motorcycle, so steeped in mythology. It was none other than the resurrected Cagiva 500, retired less than a year before, dusted off for a special occasion.

What were the odds for a bike devoid of development and a rider who no longer graced the MotoGP™ circuit?

The question mark loomed large, yet the allure of the challenge undertaken by that tandem was undeniable: an Italian rider on an Italian machine. It was enough to send fans and pundits palpitations.

"Reflecting upon it still gives me goosebumps," Chili reminisces today, in an interview with Italian motogp.com journalist Jeffrey Zani. "As I entered the track and approached Casanova-Savelli, the spectators rose to their feet. I acknowledged them with a nod of my left foot."

"It was my rookie year in SBK, with Ducati. The Bolognese marque was part of the same group as Cagiva," helmed by Claudio and Gianfranco Castiglioni.

During qualifying, the Italian duo set the track ablaze: "With ten minutes remaining, only Mick Doohan had outpaced me." And he was no ordinary competitor: the Australian, an official Honda rider, reigned as the defending World Champion in the category.

Then, "a few raindrops fell, but nothing substantial. I told the mechanics: fresh tyres, I'm going in. But just as I donned my helmet, Gianfranco Castiglioni, Claudio's brother, intercepted me: 'Where are you off to?' I replied: 'To secure pole position.' But it was no use; the shutters came down: 'See all those journalists out there? If you venture out and tumble, the festivities will come to an abrupt end. You're providing us with more entertainment than we ever anticipated. That's good enough.'"

Chili's triumphant run was abruptly curtailed. Nevertheless, Cagiva's Saturday had proven to be a resounding success: they secured a spot on the front row with the third fastest time in their home Grand Prix, emerging as ultimate underdogs.

Expectations soared for Sunday: "My rhythm was impeccable, and I was convinced that in a last-lap battle with Doohan, he wouldn't be the one to triumph."

However, not all tales are destined for a joyous conclusion: "My start was disastrous," Chili recalls. In his fervor to recover lost ground, he then "overshot the first corner midway through the race. I settled for tenth. A missed opportunity."

Next week, we will witness another Italian on a crimson machine, promising to set the stage ablaze: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team).

How will the reigning World Champion fare amid the pandemonium of Mugello? Find out from June 9th to 11th, during an unmissable Oakley Italian Grand Prix!