Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez has now drawn level with his arch-rival Valentino Rossi after securing his seventh MotoGP title at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The pair played out arguably the premier class’ most fierce rivalry in the 2010s as they battled for championships. Marquez ‘overshadowed’ Rossi’s retirement from the sport as he established himself as the main figure of MotoGP.
After years of struggle with injury, the Ant of Cervera has returned to the top of the sport as he claimed his seventh title in 2025. Marquez sealed the championship at Motegi, the home of his former team Honda, with whom he won his six previous premier class titles.
The Spaniard got the chance to celebrate with his old crew as Honda rider Joan Mir finished on the podium in third behind him and Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia. With the 2025 title sewn up, Marquez has moved alongside his nemesis at the top of MotoGP.
Johann Zarco thinks Marc Marquez will beat Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP titles in 2026
Marquez has equalled Rossi’s titles, with both achieving nine Grand Prix championships across their careers. But their totals have become a contentious issue, with Dorna only recognising Marquez’s MotoGP titles – in short, the Spaniard and Rossi are seen as seven-time champions.
Nevertheless, the pair are now level, regardless of which metric is used. Rossi’s entourage was worried about Marquez’s form at the start of the season; they will not be happy seeing the Italian’s rival match his records.
Marquez says it is an ‘honour’ to equal Rossi, and he has the chance to go better than his nemesis. With Ducati looking set to dominate again in 2026, the 32-year-old is in the prime position to win his eighth premier class title and 10th overall.
Several riders across the grid will certainly think that, and Honda star Johann Zarco is among them. Speaking to Canal+ after the race at Motegi, he believes that Marquez will beat Rossi’s record in 2026, but he does not think he will have as dominant a season.
Asked if Marquez will beat Rossi, he said: “In terms of titles, yeah.
“Because next year, he might not win the title with ten races to go. But I think he’ll still win it. In any case, he’ll have the margin to be able to do it again. After that, in 2027, I’m still not sure how things will turn out, how the cards will be reshuffled.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend
Marc Marquez is closing in on becoming MotoGP’s GOAT over Valentino Rossi
Marquez is only five more fastest laps and 17 wins away from beating Rossi’s all-time records. With these feats achievable by 2026 at the earliest, he could soon write his name as MotoGP’s greatest ever rider.
Kevin Schwantz has Marquez ahead of Rossi as MotoGP’s GOAT for his recovery from injury. The Spaniard had considered retirement after breaking his right arm at Jerez in 2020 and the subsequent setbacks that followed.
Sete Gibernau questioned Marquez’s mentality and whether he can manage his situation when comparing him to Rossi. But that is his ‘only doubt’ about the Ducati rider, who continues to make history in the premier class.
He has usurped Rossi as the oldest MotoGP champion at 32 years old. However, Leslie Graham remains the oldest premier class champion after he won the 1949 500cc title at 37 years old.
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