Top Ten Most Underrated Riders of MotoGP In This World

The MotoGP is counted as one of the most popular motorsports with a dedicated fan base around the world. With stimulating overtakes and fierce positional battles, the high-speed MotoGP race has captivated millions of spectators around the globe. Since its inception in Europe, MotoGP has spread its international reach and now includes races in Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, among other continents. Technology has continuously advanced the sport over the years in terms of motorcycle design, safety gear, and telemetry systems. Additionally, with the introduction of electric motorcycle racing (MotoE) and initiatives to lessen the sport’s carbon footprint, MotoGP has begun to emphasize environmental responsibility. Pro-riders like Jorge Lorenzo, Marc Márquez, and Valentino Rossi have attracted a lot of attention from racing Africans around the world. Over the years, the MotoGP has also witnessed some of the most fierce rivalries on the racing tracks including the most controversial Rossi vs. Márquez. The history of MotoGP has witnessed several talented and fiercely competitive racers who have been overshadowed by the racing greats and have remained underappreciated. 

Dani Pedrosa 

Pedrosa officially announced his retirement from the full-time competition at the end of the 2018 season and signed a testing contract with KTM. Although Pedrosa outshined in his rookie season with Repsol Honda, numerous injuries left a major impact on his career. Throughout his career, Pedrosa sustained a lot of injuries that affected his consistency and capacity to contend for championship titles and left an impression that Pedrosa couldn’t keep up with competitors who were in better form. Additionally, Pedrosa’s accomplishments were frequently overshadowed by legendary riders such as Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner, and Jorge Lorenzo. Despite his extraordinary talent and accomplishments in the 125cc  and 250cc classes, Pedrosa could never take home a premier-class MotoGP championship. In a league like MotoGP where flashy victories often claim the limelight, Pedeosa’s consistency remained underrated. 

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Colin Edwards 

The former American motorcycle rider, Colin Edwards witnessed a series of ups and downs during his MotoGP career. Although Colin Edwards never clinched a premier class MotoGP title, Edwards was very close to winning multiple championships, most notably in World Superbike. Throughout the majority of his MotoGP career, Edwards raced for satellite or less competitive teams, which constrained his chances of contending for championships. Factory team riders frequently got more resources and attention. Most importantly, Colin’s MotoGP career overlapped with legendary riders like Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner which never allowed him to outshine them.

Cal Crutchlow

Throughout his MotoGP career, Crutchlow suffered several injuries that hindered his progress and diminished his chances of competing regularly at the greatest level. Although Crutchlow has won races, has been placed third, and maintained a high standard of performance, he was not able to win a championship. As one of the few British riders in the history of the MotoGP, Crutchlow could not enjoy the same degree of support and fandom as riders from nations with more established motorcycling cultures.

John Kocinski

The retired American motorcycle rider, John Kocinski has witnessed a dynamic yet underrated MotoGP journey. Although he remained underappreciated, John Kocinski was a potential and skilled rider whose contributions to motorcycle racing and his 250cc class victory cannot be overestimated. In the 500cc/MotoGP class, Kocinski did not capture a premier class championship title, despite winning the 250cc World Championship and was overshadowed by the winners of the championship. When compared to some other riders, who were known to be more outgoing and charismatic, Kocinski was known to be a little reserved and introverted which degraded his publicly appealing aura. 

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Andrea Dovizioso

Although Dovizioso was very close to taking home titles in the premier class, which is sometimes the standard by which riders are honored and acknowledged, he was unable to win a championship title. Dovizioso was renowned for his extraordinary reliability and capacity to place highly in the standings of championship races. Dovizioso faced tough competition and came just short of winning premier-class titles despite competing for the championship on several occasions. Additionally, Dovizioso’s career coincided with the dominance of riders such as Marc Márquez, Casey Stoner, and Valentino Rossi dimming Dovizioso’s limelight. 

Randy Mamola

Mamola was well-known for his exceptional reliability and capacity to place highly in the standings for championships. However, after locking horns with fierce competition and nearly losing out on several premier-class titles lost his shine and witnessed a downfall in his star-studded MotoGP career. Mamola was a versatile rider who participated in 500cc and 250cc racing, among other classes. According to motorsports experts, Randy Mamola’s recognition in the premier class might have been diminished due to his ability to excel in multiple classes. 

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Sete Gibernau

The former Spanish professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer, Sete Gibernau faced extremely tough competition from legendary riders like Valentino Rossi which made it difficult for the versatile Spanish rider to break through and outshine. Gibernau was renowned for his dependability and capacity to consistently place highly in the standings for the championship. Sete fought for championship titles exhibiting his racing prowess, but failed to overcome fierce opposition to come close to winning premier class titles with close margins. 

Sito Pons 

Although the Spanish former professional Grand Prix motorcycle racer, Sito Pons is considered to be one of the most underrated racers in the history of MotoGP, he made a lot of contributions to motorcycle racing. Pons had considerable success in the 250cc class, where he won several world championships, but he failed to maintain the same elite stature in the 500cc/MotoGP class. After clashing with the most dominant forces of the racing era including Freddie Spencer and Eddie Lawson, the Spanish rider Sito Pons lost his shine and was majorly overlooked for a long period. 

Alex Barros

Although Barros failed to win a premier class championship, he had a lengthy and reliable career filled with podium finishes and numerous race victories. Alex’s remarkable achievements were frequently overshadowed by his consistency. When Alex Barros entered the MotoGO arena, the motor racing landscape was already being dominated by legendary and highly competitive riders including Wayne Rainey, Mick Doohan, and Kevin Schwantz to a large extent which made it really challenging for Alex Barros to outshine. Although Alex came close to clinching the championship title in the premier class, he could never really bring it home. 

Loris Capirossi

Although Loris Capirossi truly left an indelible mark in the history of MotoGP, with numerous victories, he failed to secure a premier class championship title. During the transitional years of Capirossi’s career in MotoGP, riders such as Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi rose to prominence, somewhat eclipsing Capirossi’s accomplishments. Being a consistent finisher in races, Capirossi was well-known for his abilities. Perhaps because he was not as flashy as the more flamboyant riders, this aspect of his racing style went unnoticed.