Giacomo Agostini makes incredible return to Ulster Grand Prix circuit

15-time world champion Giacomo Agostini has made an unlikely appearance in Northern Ireland, with the former MV Agusta rider returning to the Dundrod circuit he competed at in the 1960s. 

The Dundrod circuit has been home to the Ulster Grand Prix since the early 1950s, although the road race has not been held since 2019 due firstly to the Covid-19 pandemic, and then financial issues. 

However, the return of the event could take place in 2027, after the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) was granted new multi-year funding of around £400,000. 

Peter Hickman won seven races the last time the international road race was held, and set a new lap record in the process, achieving an average speed of 136.415mph. That lap is still faster than the quickest Isle of Man TT lap ever, which was also set by Hickman, at 136.358mph, in 2023.

Like Hickman, Agostini has enjoyed a lot of success at the Northern Irish circuit, winning on seven occasions between 1967 and 1970 when the event was staged as an official round of the world championship.

Agostini won on three occasions in the 350cc class, while also going on to achieve four wins in the 500cc class. As a grand prix event, Agostini is tied with Mike Hailwood for the most wins at the Ulster GP. 

Speaking to the BBC during his recent return to the Dundrod circuit, Agostini said: 

“When I came here I was so young so I didn’t think about anything. I just wanted to race. But today, I did the lap and I said ‘oh what happened - many years ago I raced here with my bike’. It was very fast, [and] a very difficult circuit. It’s incredible. But I think this circuit gives some emotions to the riders. Something that other circuits don’t give [you].

“For me it was fantastic. I remember, I have a lot of people [that] loved me, a lot of people with passion that love motorcycling here. I remember a lot of spectators that were kind to me.”

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