The never-ending debate about the greatness of Valentino Rossi and Mark Marquez takes a fresh perspective.
For generations, MotoGP fans have been debating which of the sworn enemies are the greatest riders of all time.
Rossi’s nine world championships now reveal Marquez’s totals, but the Spaniards are catching up.
The factory Ducati rookie won the first four races of the season in two rounds, making himself a favorite at this year’s championship.
Mark Marquez v Valentino Rossi discussion has been forwarded
Mark Marquez
“We see a genius in the bike here,” TNT Sports’ Suzi Perry said from the paddock in Argentina, where Marquez was perfect.
“He’s the way someone else has ridden so far, in a different way than others and to get 100% out of his car.
“You have to be grateful for what we see.”
Neil Hodgson replied: “People thought, ‘The depths of the outdoors aren’t like the past.’
“I saw the field, and there are 22 riders, so over half of them are world champions.
“Six of them have won multiple world titles, and this field is very stacked with the best.
“Only test rider Lorenzo Savadori is not in the caliber of others. Others are incredible.
“Because Mark stands out so well? That highlights what we’re looking at here.
“We see geniuses. I say this a lot – to me, he is the greatest rider I’ve ever seen.
“That includes Valentino Rossi.”
However, Perry insisted:
“If you’re talking about racing bikes, I probably agree with you.”
Michael Laberty added: “Mark is the fastest, the clearest and offensive.
“He does everything right for the racer.
“But you’re talking about the Rossi phenomenon in the world…”
Perry said in court with Rossi: “He put it on the map when it wasn’t.”
But Laverty had a final say.
“Spanish riders usually peak in their late 20s.”
read more: Mark Marquez’s stunning US MotoGP record warns about the 2025 COTA race
Marquez, 32, has overcome a career-threatening injury.
He was the Honda contract – the most advantageous on the grid – because their machines were not scratching, but because he frequently crashed when he tested its limits.
Last year, at Ducati a year ago, Marquez revived a sense of victory, but he again dominated the factory machine in 2025.
However, Rossi fans will point to his longevity and his mainstream appeal.
The Italian rider is the most famous face MotoGP has ever produced.
His fight with Marquez remains legendary and intense, and their latest fight is underway that Rossi is not on the truck.
Marquez has discarded it this year, just like nine Rossi titles.
VR46 boss and Rossi’s right-hand man Uccio Salucci is forced to admit that he hopes Marquez will beat Rossi’s tally with 115 wins.