Francesco Bagnaia, current star of Ducati and MotoGP world champion in 2022, recently gave an interview that shed light on the eternal debate between two of the most iconic legends of motorcycling: Marc Márquez and Valentino Rossi. Bagnaia, who has had the honor and challenge of competing against both, shared his views with disarming sincerity, highlighting the impact that both have had on his career and the sport in general.

“I was lucky enough to race against two giants of the sport, and each of them has something unique,” ​​Bagnaia said in an interview with a well-known Italian media outlet. “Valentino is a legend who defined an era. Marc, on the other hand, has taken motorcycling to a physical and technical level that we had never seen before.”

Bagnaia was not shy about describing what makes Rossi and Márquez so different, but also extraordinary. According to the Italian rider, Rossi represents the perfect combination of natural talent, charisma and the ability to adapt to changes in bikes and strategies throughout his long career.

“Valentino had this unique ability to understand the bike and the evolution of racing, as well as an incredible connection with the fans. That’s why he was an icon not only for us riders, but for millions of people around the world.”

Marc Márquez, on the other hand, is described by Bagnaia as an exceptional athlete, capable of transforming every race into a technical and physical challenge to the limit.

“Marc is an aggressive, innovative and incredibly determined rider. He has an approach that pushes everyone else to improve. He is never satisfied, and I think that is what makes him such a fearsome opponent.”

When asked to choose who, in his opinion, is the best between Rossi and Márquez, Bagnaia responded with some hesitation, but also with a depth of reflection that surprised many:

“It’s not about who has more titles or who has won more races in less time. It’s about the impact on the sport and its evolution. For me, Valentino is the rider who changed motorcycling, but Marc is the one who redefined what it means to be a modern rider.”

However, Bagnaia also admitted that, on a personal level, he feels closer to Rossi, not only because of their shared nationality, but because of the inspiration that the “Doctor” represented in his growth as a rider.

“Valentino was my idol when I was a child. Watching him win was like a dream come true. With Marc, on the other hand, I had the chance to compare myself directly, and this taught me a lot.”

Another interesting point that emerged during the interview was Bagnaia’s comment on Marc Márquez’s future ambitions, in particular his stated goal of equalling Valentino Rossi’s nine world titles.

“Marc is one of the few who can really do it,” Bagnaia said. “With the Ducati GP25, he has a bike that gives him the conditions to compete at the highest level. But achieving nine titles is not just a question of talent or bike; it also requires consistency, strategy and a bit of luck.”

Bagnaia concluded on a note of respect for both riders, stressing that regardless of who holds more records or victories, their contributions to the sport are invaluable.

Bagnaia’s words have reignited the debate between Rossi and Márquez fans. Opinions are divided on social media, with some arguing that Valentino will always be the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time), while others believe that Márquez has already proven himself to be the best thanks to his unique style and incredible ability to adapt.

In any case, Bagnaia seems to have managed to express a balanced vision, celebrating the qualities of both without creating unnecessary controversy.

Finally, Bagnaia underlined how both Valentino Rossi and Marc Márquez have influenced the new generation of riders, including himself.

“Thanks to them, the level of MotoGP is higher than ever. Every rider who enters this sport now knows that he must aim for absolute excellence to be competitive. And this, in large part, is thanks to them.”

With these words, Francesco Bagnaia demonstrates not only that he is a champion on the track, but also a true ambassador of motorcycling, capable of recognizing and celebrating greatness, regardless of rivalries.