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MotoGP represents the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, with a legacy extending over seventy years. This exhilarating sport has showcased the most daring and skilled riders, many of whom have made their mark in the sport’s history. As the 2025 season progresses, it is a fitting time to reflect on the legendary figures and their significant achievements that have shaped this thrilling competition.
The records highlighted here specifically pertain to the MotoGP and 500cc classes, with statistics accurate as of the conclusion of the Malaysia Grand Prix.
Dominant riders in MotoGP history
Among the sport’s most celebrated riders is Valentino Rossi, often regarded as a legend. With an astonishing total of 89 victories in the 500cc class from 2000 to 2017, he holds the record for the most wins in the premier category. His victories vary greatly in margin, from a remarkable 22-second lead at the 2002 Portuguese Grand Prix to a nail-biting win by just 0.013 seconds at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix. Rossi excelled at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and TT Circuit Assen, each hosting ten of his wins. His last triumph came at Assen in June 2017, marking the end of an era. Following him is Marc Marquez, who has secured 73 wins, solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor.
Historic achievements of Giacomo Agostini
In third place, Giacomo Agostini stands out with 68 wins during his illustrious career. This achievement is particularly remarkable given the significantly fewer races held during the 1960s and 1970s. Out of just 120 races, Agostini’s win rate is an impressive 57%, exceeding Rossi’s 24% from 372 races. Notably, Agostini accomplished the rare feat of achieving a perfect win rate for three consecutive seasons in both the 500cc and 350cc classes, demonstrating his extraordinary talent.
Pole positions and championship titles
Marc Marquez holds the record for securing pole positions, with an exceptional total of 74 poles in 204 races, resulting in a pole rate of 36.27%. This achievement has contributed to his six world championships over 13 seasons. Close behind is Mick Doohan, who achieved 58 pole positions across 137 races, leading to 95 podium finishes and five world titles.
Title records held by legendary riders
The record for the most world titles is held by Giacomo Agostini, with eight championships to his name, while Valentino Rossi closely follows with seven titles. Agostini’s dominance is illustrated by his consecutive wins from 1966 to 1972, alongside his success in the 350cc category. In contrast, Rossi’s titles were amassed in just nine years, while Marquez secured his titles within a remarkable seven-year span. Collectively, these champions account for over half of all world championships in MotoGP history.
Podium finishes and new contenders
Upon his retirement in 2025, Valentino Rossi had achieved 199 podium finishes, just shy of the coveted 200 mark. His remarkable consistency is evident in his finishing in the top three in over half of his races. Marc Marquez currently sits in second place with 125 podiums, showcasing an impressive 60.97% success rate. Jorge Lorenzo, another notable rider, earned podium finishes on 114 occasions, achieving a 56% success rate while pursuing three championships.
The rise of sprint races
With the introduction of the Sprint Race format in the 2025 season, each race weekend now features an additional, shorter race on Saturdays. This new format has added excitement to the events, with Jorge Martin emerging as the standout performer, claiming an impressive 16 sprint race victories.
Constructors’ dominance in MotoGP
In terms of constructors, Honda reigns supreme with over 300 wins in the premier class, underscoring their enduring legacy. Five of the top eight world champions have ridden for Honda, solidifying its position as a dominant force in the sport. Yamaha follows closely with 245 victories.
Honda leads in constructors’ championships with an impressive 25 titles, while MV Agusta and Yamaha have claimed 16 and 14 championships, respectively. Each of these constructors has significantly contributed to the thrilling spectacle that is MotoGP, ensuring that their legacies will be remembered for years to come.