Works Husqvarna rider, Heikki Mikkola began the 1974 season in style by winning the first two races at Sittendorf, Austria. While three times 500cc World Champion Roger DeCoster's Suzuki suffered engine failure in race 1 and a flat tyre in race 2. He was left trailing the Flying Fin so early in the campaign. A large crowd came to the spectacular Gaillefontaine Circuit to witness the drama.