A legend in the bike world, he made appearances at historic events until the late 1990's, when he started to suffer ill-health. Died just after his 92nd birthday. Pagani began racing as a teenager in 1928 on motorcycles and he remained in this discipline - on and off - for over two decades. He took up motor racing in 1947 and enjoyed success in the Formula 1 race at Pau that year and also in 1948. Pagani became the first 125cc World Champion in 1949, and vice World Champion in the 500cc class, despite being nearly 40. He continued racing in cars however, in sportscars, until 1957, which was two years after his last motorcycle race. Pagani's son, Alberto, became a motorcyclist too, and finished second behind the legendary Giacomo Agostini, in the 1972 500cc World Championship.

Biography last updated 12 Sep 2017