In a surprising statement, six-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez has excluded himself from the list of the top five riders of all time. Interviewed during a Spanish podcast, the Spaniard cited Giacomo Agostini, Angel Nieto, Mick Doohan, Jorge Lorenzo and… Valentino Rossi as being his biggest idols…
Marc Marquezsix-time world champion in the premier class, recently revealed his selection of the five best MotoGP riders of all time. Surprisingly, the Spanish driver did not include his own name in this list, despite his impressive track record which regularly places him in the top all-time rankings.
« I will never put myself on that list“, said Marquez in an interview given to La Gazzetta dello Sport after his appearance on a Spanish podcast. True to his humility and his respect for the legends of the sport, he chose five emblematic names that have marked the history of motorcycle racing. Here are the 5 Best Drivers of All Time according to Marc Marquez …
We start with Giacomo Agostini who remains the most successful rider in the history of motorcycle racing, with
15 world titlesdont eight in the premier category. His exploits with MV Agusta et Yamaha between 1966 and 1975 left an indelible mark. He is also an avowed admirer of Marquez and often praised his exceptional talent.
Follow the Spaniard Angel Nieto king of small displacements, with 13 world titles. Although his dominance was in the lower categories, his influence on the sport is immense, particularly in Spain, where he remains a revered legend.
Marc Marquez doesn't forget Valentino Rossi
The Australian Mick Doohan is on the podium. He overcame a serious leg injury to become a five-time 500cc world champion. Doohan established his reign with Hondajust like
Marquezcreating a unique legacy before the current MotoGP era.
Double world champion in MotoGP, Jorge Lorenzo is present and has been a formidable opponent of
Marquez throughout his career. Their rivalry with Yamaha and later their coexistence as teammates at Honda marked the 2010s.
Last but not least …Valentino Rossi. The most anticipated choice was that of the Doctor. With his eight premier class world titles and his legendary career, he is one of the biggest names in sport. His intense rivalry with Marquezespecially during the 2015 season, was one of the highlights of MotoGP.
While Marc Marquez prepares to run alongside
Pecco Bagnaia in the official team
Ducatithis new dynamic promises to revive the great rivalries in MotoGP history. With its potential intact and the best current bike, Marquez
could first equal Rossi in number of titles in the premier category.
The 2025 MotoGP season therefore promises to be an exciting one, with history and competition once again crossing paths on the track. The legends of yesterday and today continue to inspire future generations, and the place of Marquez in this epic seems already set in stone, even if he refuses to attribute it to himself…
