In preparing for the 1974 season we set up "camp" in Misano Adriatico and did some exhaustive testing with the 350 and 500 bikes.

Here you see Giacomo in a pensive mood, talking businnes with, from the left, Mr. Naitoh, Mr. Naito and Mr. Mizoguchi. Both Naitoh's sadly passed away, they were amongst others of course, the "Brainmen" from Yamaha during the 1960's.

Giacomo Agostini, Misano, spring 1974

(click for large picture)

My job was to race between Misano and Milano Airport every other day and pick-up new parts for the machines that were overnight made in Japan. Those were the days when the Japanese said: "Money is no problem, only time is a problem".

I never paid any Importduty! I always had my Yamaha jacket stuffed with Yamaha lighters, badges and stickers and the Customs knew that all these crankshafts, cylinders and exhausts were for "Il Grande Campionissimo", Giacomo Agostini, no problem !!!!!!

More follows of course.....