MotoGP is one of the most iconic and oldest motorsport world championships featuring the most skilled riders from across the globe. The championship includes 21 Grand Prix events and has a rich history with notable riders like Giacomo Agostini, Valentino Rossi, and Marc Marquez.
The discussion of the greatest MotoGP riders of all time often circles around a few obvious names who left an incredible mark on the sport. Let’s talk about the five riders who frequently make the cut to the most iconic MotoGP riders of all time.
Giacomo Agostini
Years active: 1964-1977
Championships: 8 World Championship titles
Wins: 122 Grand Prix Victories
Giacomo Agostini is a legendary Italian racer who is celebrated for his unmatched record of eight world titles and 122 Grand Prix victories in MotoGP, a milestone that remains unbeaten to this day. He has also competed in events like the Isle of Man TT, where he won ten times, solidifying his legacy as an iconic motorcyclist.
Valentino Rossi
Years active: 1996-2021
Championships: 9 World Championship titles
Wins: 115 Grand Prix victories
Valentino Rossi is also an Italian racer known for his charisma and personality. He has the longest time between his first and last Grand Prix wins, holding a total of 115 wins. He also won 9 world championships and is popularly known as “The Doctor”. He is one of the most beloved figures in MotoGP’s history, with a total of 5415 points in the premier class.
Mike Hailwood
Years active: 1958-1979
Championships: 9 World Championship titles
Wins: 76 Grand Prix victories
Nicknamed “Mike the Bike” is renowned for his versatility and courage. He competed in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1 and achieved remarkable success across multiple categories in both. He owns 76 Grand Prix victories and 9 world championships. He’s definitely one of the most iconic riders of MotoGP of all time.
Mick Doohan
Years active: 1989-1999
Championships: 5 World Championship titles
Wins: 54 Grand Prix victories
Mick Doohan is an Australian MotoGP racer known best for his dominance in the 1990s with his exceptional skills and consistency. He won 5 world championships and 54 Grand Prix events, his contributions did not only play a huge role in his legacy but also helped shape modern motorcycle racing.
Marc Márquez
Years active: 2013-Present
Championships: 8 World Championship titles
Wins: 88 Grand Prix victories
Marc Márquez is one of the most beloved racers of all time and is also currently active. He bagged 88 Grand Prix victories till now and 8 world championships. He won his first championship in his rookie year, establishing himself as a dominant force in MotoGP.
Also Read: Risking It All: The 4 Most Hazardous Sports On The Planet
