Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez has won his seventh MotoGP title at the Japanese Grand Prix. He has now equalled the records of his nemesis, Valentino Rossi.
The Italian won his premier class titles in the early 2000s as he established himself as MotoGP’s main figure. However, he was quickly usurped by Marquez when he arrived on the scene with Honda in 2013.
Rossi was worried about Marquez after his debut in Qatar, as he was immediately on the pace with him and the frontrunners. The pair went on to spark an intense rivalry, one that is still felt in the sport today.
Rossi’s entourage were worried about Marquez’s form earlier in the season as he posed the threat of tying with the Italian. Now, Marquez has equalled Rossi’s record of seven MotoGP titles and nine Grand Prix championships.
Marc Marquez says it’s an ‘honour’ and a ‘pleasure’ to equal Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP record
The Ducati rider has also beaten Rossi’s record as the oldest champion in the MotoGP era, but Marquez was not thinking about that at the start of the year. He was more focused on his comeback after suffering with injury in his final years with Honda.
But the Ant of Cervera could not escape his nemesis in 2025. Marquez was booed at Mugello by Rossi fans as he claimed victory, and then again at Misano.
His crash in the Sprint race was met with cheers from the crowd. Davide Tardozzi hailed Marquez’s ‘kindness’ in his response, as he has never been one to antagonise people.
Knowing that match point was possible at Motegi, Marquez could not believe he was about to equal Rossi. Now that has been accomplished, the Spaniard sees it as an ‘honour’ to tie with the Italian, whom he once saw as his idol.
He said via Motosan: “Great names in different sports, you can match Agostini in victories, the great Ángel Nieto, or other names… And now, to equal the great Valentino Rossi, for me, is another honour and a pleasure. So, well, being among those names is already a dream.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend
What other Valentino Rossi records could Marc Marquez break in MotoGP?
Rossi will certainly not be pleased about his arch-rival equalling his titles. Several other records of his are under threat from Marquez.
With 72 fastest laps, Marquez needs just five more to beat Rossi’s all-time premier class records. With five races to go in 2025 and given his current form, it is not impossible to imagine the Ducati rider beating it this season.
The Spaniard is also not far away from Rossi’s all-time win record of 89, currently sitting on 73 victories. Marquez can achieve that feat in 2026 at the earliest, with Ducati being in the prime position to dominate the championship again.
Kevin Schwantz says Marquez is MotoGP’s GOAT ahead of Rossi. He will have the chance to cement that status if he can continue his current trajectory.
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