Italy’s Giacomo Agostini will feature at the Island Classic this weekend.

The most successful grand prix motorcycle racer of all time, Italy’s Giacomo Agostini, will be special guest at the 20th anniversary 2013 Australian Motorcycle News International Island Classic for historic bikes, to be held at the freshly resurfaced Phillip Island circuit this weekend, 25-27 January.

Agostini, much like the modern day wonder Valentino Rossi, transcended motorcycle sport during his glory days in the 1960s and 1970s, when he won an extraordinary 15 world titles and was a regular winner at the Isle of Man TT.

During that period, he was feted all around the globe and treated like a rock star wherever he went.

The 70-year-old from Bergamo is intrinsically linked with MV Agusta, where he won 13 of his world titles on 350 and 500cc machinery. He also chimed in with a couple of world titles with Yamaha.

Up until the modern era, riders regularly competed in two or three classes simultaneously and to put Agostini’s talent in perspective, the young Italian took ten of his 15 titles in five successive seasons as double champion in 350cc and 500cc.

Ago’s golden period commenced in 1968, riding for MV Agusta and ended with Yamaha in 1974. What was his secret? He had great feel for bikes, worked assiduously at getting them right, and then went fast. Very fast.

Phillip Island’s International Island Classic – the biggest meet in the southern hemisphere for historic bikes – will mark Agostini’s attendance with a special welcome dinner for 650 guests at the circuit.

To be held on Saturday evening, 26 January, Agostini will be interviewed by acclaimed journalist and motorcycle historian, Alan Cathcart.

‘Ago’ will also perform parade laps during the three-day event aboard a MV Agusta grand prix replica, housing a genuine 1968 in-line four-cylinder engine modified to early 500 MV factory GP specs.

Weighing just 155 kg, it was restored in Pennsylvania by renowned expert, Albert Bold, and acquired by a Melbourne collector.

Most of the components built from titanium or magnesium are handmade, and the race frame, fairing, tank and seat were supplied from Italy.

“I am very excited to be invited to the 20 year celebration of the Island Classic and am honoured to be one of the first to try the new racetrack surface,” said Agostini, who won 20, 500cc grands prix in a row.

“Phillip Island is a beautiful place with a circuit that I like very much and I look forward to meeting the fans and sharing everything that is great about motorbikes from every era.”

Tickets for the AMCN International Island Classic are available at www.islandclassic.com.au or at the gate.