A superb and rare image of the Yamaha works factory Grand Prix rider of 1973, the legendary Finnish road racing World Champion Jarno Saarinen.

Jarno Saarinen was the reigning 250cc World Champion!

Jarno Saarinen made his first appearance in the Grand Prix road racing World Championship at the circuit of Imatra, Finland in 1968, finishing 9th in the 125cc class. During the 1970 season, at the age of 25, Saarinen competed in the 250cc (now GP2) class, finishing the season a respectable fourth place. In 1971 Saarinen competed in both 250cc and 350cc classes. Saarinen won his first Grand Prix that year, claiming the 350cc class in Czechoslovakia. He finished third in 250cc World Championship and second in 350cc. His success didn't go unnoticed as Yamaha signed him to ride its 250cc and 350cc bikes for the 1972 season. Saarinen delivered as expected, winning the 250cc World Champioship. He finished second in 350cc World Championship, giving defending champion Giacomo Agostini a strong challenge. Yamaha developed a new, four cylinder, two-stroke 500cc bike for the 1973 season and chose Saarinen to ride it. Finally, Saarinen was ready to challenge Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read in the 500cc class with competitive equipment. Saarinen's 1973 season started amazingly well, given the fact he competed in the 250cc and 500cc classes. He became the first European rider to win the prestigious Daytona 200 race in the United States. Returning to Europe, he jumped to an early lead in the Grand Prix championship race by winning the first three 250cc rounds and two out of three 500cc rounds. It seemed he was on the brink of running away with the titles. Unfortunately, the season would end in tragedy. On May 20, 1973, the fourth Grand Prix of the season was held at Monza near Milan, Italy. A crash during the 350cc race left an oil slick at La Curva Grande, the first curve after the pit straight. On the opening lap of the 250cc race, the race leader, Renzo Pasolini fell in front of Saarinen, who was in second place. He couldn't avoid the fallen rider and the resulting crash caused a multiple rider pile up. Both riders died in the accident. It would have a major impact on the sport. His legacy continues to live on. There is still an active Saarinen fan club in Italy. Formula One driver Jarno Trulli was named after Saarinen. Jarno Saarinen, born on the 11^th of December 1945, still remains the only Finn to have won a motorcycle road racing World Championship. And he won 15 Grand Prix during his career.

This is your rare chance to own a non period image that reflects a very interesting piece of Saarinen ‘s, Yamaha’s and roadracing’s glorious history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 7" x 12" (ca. 18 x 30 cm).