Alex Criville The unusual suspect
“ALL OF A SUDDEN I WAS RACING THE BEST RIDERS ON THE PLANET... DOOHAN, RAINEY, SCHWANTZ, GARDNER, LAWSON... ”
Entering Alex Criville in the 500cc class was part of a tactical masterplan. The 1989 125cc world champion was poised to be Spain’s next poster boy in a class where his elder compatriots had never excelled. By promoting 22-year-old Criville to the pinnacle of Grand Prix racing, Dorna, the Spanish promoter and owner of TV rights, hoped to boost interest in GPs in their local market.
It was quite a burden on the shoulders of the shy but talented, dark-haired Criville, especially as after his 125cc world title he failed to upset the competition in the 250 class. As a rookie he finished 11th on a Marlboro Yamaha TZR250, followed by a 13th spot overall in his second and final 250 year on an Antonio Cobas prepared Honda.
Without a 250 win or even a podium, Criville seemed to lack what it took to become the great Spanish hope – but he faired well.
For his 500cc rookie season, Barcelona-born Criville teamed up with Sito Pons, a two-time 250 world champion who tried his luck on a 500cc Honda, but retired from racing after two lacklustre and injury-stricken seasons. Pons retained his faithful
