Suzuki saw off a strong challenge fromYamaha to take their second consecutive 500cc crown.Angel Nieto made it three 50cc titles in a row on aBultaco whileMorbidelli would win an impressive double world championship in the 125cc and 250cc divisions.Pier Paolo Bianchi successfully defended his 125cc title while fellow countrymanMario Lega captured the 250cc championship for the tiny Italian concern. The 350cc crown went toTakazumi Katayama on a special three cylinder Yamaha built in Holland, making him the first-ever Japaneseworld champion.Barry Sheene made it two premier titles in a row, winning from two Americans,Steve Baker andPat Hennen.[1]
The season was marred by numerous fatal accidents, including a terrible crash at the 350ccAustrian Grand Prix that claimed the life of Swiss rider,Hans Stadelmann and seriously injuringJohnny Cecotto,Patrick Fernandez,Dieter Braun andFranco Uncini.[1][2] The accident led to a rider's strike in the 500 class, although organizers pressed on withJack Findlay winning from a reduced field of competitors.[3] Braun decided to end his riding career after recovering from his injuries.[4]
In addition to this incident, theYugoslavian Grand Prix at the notoriousOpatija Circuit was also stricken by tragedy. After having been issued an ultimatum by theFIM, the Yugoslavian race organizers failed to take action to improve the safety of the circuit – which was notorious for its numerous road-side hazards including solid rock walls and steep, barely protected drop offs.[5] The event was a disaster with Italian rider, Giovanni Ziggiotto, crashing during practice for the 250cc race when his motorcycle'sengine seized and he was hit from behind byPer-Edward Carlson.[6] He died four days later in a hospital.[7] During the 50 cc race,Ulrich Graf crashed when his bike developed a rear tire puncture and he was thrown into a stone wall.[6] He suffered serious head injuries and died later in a hospital.[5] The Opatija Circuit was never used again for any kind of racing and, the Yugoslavian Grand Prix was moved to the nearbyRijeka permanent circuit.[6]
Despite finishing second in the 500cc championship and winning theFormula 750 title, Baker would be released by Yamaha at the end of the year.[1]Giacomo Agostini would retire after the season, ending his seventeen-year career with a record 122 Grand Prix victories and 15World Championships.[1]