Top 5 greatest MotoGP riders in history (Source: X)
Racing is an art with countless dangers and numerous possibilities for accidents. However, in the last three decades, safety standards have improved drastically, helping teams and racers feel safer during races. Even then, accidents are still common in both car and bike racing. If you compare car racing and bike racing, the latter involves more risks and a greater vulnerability to death.
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MotoGP is the pinnacle of bike racing and has been happening since 2002. But if you trace back its origins, it goes to 1949, making it older than Formula 1. However, despite these risks, some of the greatest talents have persevered through the sport and won numerous championships, again and again. These riders are proven warriors and are celebrated as heroes by their fans.
Here are the top 5 Greatest MotoGP riders of all time
5. Jorge Lorenzo
The Spaniard was the only rider who challenged Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez during their prime. He has three MotoGP world titles (2010, 2012, and 2015), which he won for the Yamaha Factory racing team as a teammate of Rossi. He is known for his smooth riding nature and consistency, which makes him one of the greatest riders in history.
4. Casey Stoner
One of the greatest talents to ever compete in MotoGP was the Australian racer Casey Stoner. Ducati was struggling against the Asian giant's Honda and Yamaha during those times. Stoner was the one who put the Italian brand back on winning ways by winning the 2007 MotoGP title. He again won another world title with Honda Racing in the 2011 season.
3. Mick Doohan
Before Rossi and Marquez, it was Mick Doohan who was called the legend of the sport. The Australian rider ended the American's dominance in MotoGP by winning the title with Honda. From 1994 to 1998, Mick won the title five consecutive times. He is known for his aggressive riding style, just like Marquez.
2. Marc Marquez
The only legend on the list who is still racing hard and strong was the Spanish MotoGP rider and 6-time world champion Marc Marquez. He is known for his aggressive riding style and brilliant cornering ability. Marquez was the biggest foe to Rossi, not only professionally but also personally.
Some of his race battles with Rossi left a permanent scar on the Italian. But we can’t deny that Marc Marquez won the championships because he was the best of all the riders. This year he will race for the best team on the grid, Ducati.
1. Valentino Rossi
Valentino Rossi Photograph: (Instagram)
Still, the greatest rider and brand ambassador of bike racing was the 7-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi. The speciality about Rossi was his longevity and versatility. He raced for Honda, Ducati and Yamaha, proving he is the best.
His nickname ‘The Doctor’ and his racing number ‘46’ became forever iconic among youngsters and new riders. He is the inspiration for many riders to take up professional bike racing. Rossi is the only rider to win championships across three different classes: 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP.
Italian bike rider Valentino Rossi is the best MotoGP rider in the world. He won 7 world titles and is the only rider to win a championship across three categories.
2. Why are Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi enemies?
The rivalry between the two great MotoGP riders became personal when Rossi thought Marquez was deliberately crashing with him to help Jorge Lorenzo win the championship.
3. Who is Mick Doohan?
He is the Australian bike racer who has won five world championships. He is also the father of Alpine F1 driver Jack Doohan.
4. Why is Valentino Rossi called ‘The Doctor’?
He mastered the art of racing like a doctor in the field. Also in Italy, if a person is highly skilled and talented, they will be called a ‘Doctor’.
5. Can Marc Marquez win for Ducti?
Absolutely. Even with a GP23 engine, he won three races for his team. Now with the most powerful factory Ducati bike, he can do wonders for the team.