André Malherbe

André Malherbe

Malherbe in 1974 aboard a 125cc Zündapp
Nationality Belgium Belgian
Born 21 March 1956 (1956-03-21) (age 60)
Huy, Belgium
Motocross career
Years active 1975 - 1986
Teams Zündapp, Honda
Championships 500cc - 1980, 1981, 1984
Wins 41

André Malherbe (born 21 March 1956) is a Belgian former professional Grand Prix motocross racer. He won three F.I.M. 500cc motocross World Championships.

Born in Huy, the son of a motorcycle dealer, Malherbe began racing at an early age and earned his racing licence in 1973. He rode a Zündapp to win the 1973 FIM 125cc European motocross championship, and repeated as champion in 1974.[1][2] Malherbe finished the 1977 season third in the 250cc motocross world championship.[3] Malherbe moved up to the 500cc world championship in 1978 and finished the season as the highest scoring KTM rider in sixth place.[4] He joined the Honda factory racing team in 1979 and improved to a third place finish in the 500cc world championship.[5] In 1980, he captured his first 500cc world championship as a member of the Honda factory racing team. Malherbe successfully defended his title in 1981 and in 1984 he won his third 500cc world championship for Honda.[6] At the time of his retirement, Malherbe's 41 Grand Prix race victories placed him fourth on the all-time winners list.[7]

After his motocross career ended, he competed in the 1987 Spa 24 Hour round of the World Touring Car Championship.[8] He then began to compete in rally raids. While competing in the 1988 Paris to Dakar Rally he crashed and suffered serious injuries that left him paralyzed.

References

  1. ↑ "1973 125cc European motocrosschampionship final standings". memotocross.fr. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  2. ↑ "1974 125cc European motocrosschampionship final standings". memotocross.fr. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  3. ↑ "1977 250cc motocross world championship final standings". memotocross.fr. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
  4. ↑ "1978 500cc motocross world championship final standings". memotocross.fr. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
  5. ↑ "1979 500cc motocross world championship final standings". memotocross.fr. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
  6. ↑ André Malherbe career profile
  7. ↑ www.motorsport-aktuell.com
  8. ↑ "André Malherbe results". racingsportscars.com. Retrieved 13 February 2016.


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