1982 500 world champion Franco Uncini began his international career in the 250 world championship in 1976, taking seven podiums including two victories in the class before going on to be championship runner-up in 1977. The Italian moved into the premier class for 1979 and took a podium in his rookie year followed by three more the year after. Uncini then won the championship in 1982 with seven podiums, including five victories. He also recorded a pole position and a fastest lap as he beat Graeme Crosby to the title in a year that saw the grid full of further legendary names including Freddie Spencer, Kenny Roberts and Barry Sheene. Despite a bad crash in the 1983 Dutch GP that almost ended his career, Uncini returned to competition the following year as he fought his way back onto the grid for an incredible comeback and another two seasons. The Italian was recently inducted into the World Championship Hall of Fame in a ceremony at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli; officially named a MotoGP™ Legend.