In the world of MotoGP, few riders have captured the hearts of fans as much as Valentino Rossi, the Italian legend who has dominated the sport for over two decades. However, rising star Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 MotoGP World Champion, recently sparked debate when he declared that while he has great admiration for Rossi, Marc Márquez is, in his opinion, the greatest rider in the history of the sport.
Quartararo’s statement, which might surprise some, offers a fresh perspective on the ongoing debate about the sport’s all-time greats. While Rossi’s legacy is undeniable, with seven premier class world championships, countless wins, and a fan base that spans generations, Quartararo’s comments shift the conversation to the enduring dominance of Márquez in recent years.
During an interview, Quartararo shared his thoughts on both Rossi and Márquez. He explained that although Rossi’s achievements in MotoGP are “incredible” and that he holds the Italian in high regard, it is Márquez who, in his view, represents the pinnacle of racing excellence.
“I really like Valentino Rossi, I’ve always admired him for everything he has done in the sport and the way he has connected with fans,” Quartararo said. “But for me, Marc Márquez is the best in history. He has done things on a bike that I think no one else has done, and his talent is incredible.”
For many, this statement may raise eyebrows. Rossi, who announced his retirement at the end of the 2021 season, has built a legacy that extends far beyond his results on the track. He is known for his charisma, his rivalry with other greats like Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo, and Dani Pedrosa, as well as his ability to win races in various conditions and on different machines. Rossi’s influence on the sport cannot be overstated, and he has become a symbol of the MotoGP era for millions of fans.
Márquez, on the other hand, has proven to be an extraordinary talent in his own right. Since his arrival in MotoGP, Márquez has been a force of nature, with eight world championships to his name, including six in the premier class. His fearless riding style, coupled with his ability to extract performance from a bike in seemingly impossible situations, has set him apart from his peers.
Márquez’s consistency and dominance in the MotoGP era have earned him a reputation as one of the most complete riders in history. His five consecutive world titles from 2013 to 2019 were a testament to his mastery, and even after a long recovery from a major shoulder injury, Márquez has continued to fight for victories and podiums.
In addition to his championships, Márquez holds several records, including the most wins in a single season (13 victories in 2019) and the most pole positions in the premier class. His aggressive and innovative riding style has forced other riders to adapt to his level of intensity. Quartararo himself, a rising star in the sport, has often cited Márquez as a benchmark for his own career, recognizing the Spaniard’s exceptional skill in pushing the limits of what is possible on a motorcycle.
Fabio Quartararo’s comments reflect a shift in the landscape of MotoGP, where a new generation of riders is emerging to challenge the old guard. While Rossi’s legacy will always be celebrated, Quartararo’s viewpoint emphasizes the need to recognize the changing dynamics in the sport. The young Frenchman’s admiration for Márquez highlights the impact that the Spaniard has had on the sport in the modern era, and how his aggressive and innovative riding style has become a model for young riders to follow.
Quartararo, who has already shown immense talent and potential in his career, is one of the most exciting talents in MotoGP today. His ability to challenge for titles and win races against some of the sport’s best riders has earned him a place in the history books. However, it’s clear that for him, as well as many other riders, Marc Márquez is the rider who defines what it means to be the best in the sport.
In the end, opinions about who is the greatest rider in MotoGP history will always be subjective. While Valentino Rossi will forever be remembered as a legend of the sport, Marc Márquez’s incredible achievements and sheer dominance in the modern era make him a formidable contender for the title of the greatest. As for Quartararo, his respect for both riders speaks to the camaraderie and mutual admiration that exists within the MotoGP paddock, but it’s clear that, for him, Márquez’s impact on the sport is unrivaled. As the next generation of riders continues to carve out their own legacies, it will be fascinating to see who will eventually claim the mantle as the greatest of all time. But for now, Marc Márquez’s name continues to dominate the conversation.
