Marco Bezzecchi
Giacomo Agostini is statistically the greatest motorcycle Grand Prix rider of all time, as he stands with the most premier class and overall titles.
Racing during the 1960s and 1970s, the Italian competed simultaneously in the 350cc and the 500cc classes, and he was utterly dominant in both with MV Agusta.
Between 1966 and 1975, Agostini won a staggering 15 titles: 8 500cc championships (now known as MotoGP) and seven 350cc titles. He has the most premier class crowns in the sport’s history, but that record could be equalled come 2026.
Marc Marquez won his seventh MotoGP title at Motegi in 2025 in what has been a dominant season with Ducati. The Ant of Cervera has won 25 races thus far, including Sprints, and is now just one title away from Agostini’s record.
Giacomo Agostini snubs ‘annoying’ Marc Marquez as he names Valentino Rossi among his dream MotoGP grid
Marquez’s 2025 title marks an incredible comeback from multiple injury setbacks after his crash at Jerez in 2020. With his dominance at Honda – six titles between 2013 and 2019 – and his current trajectory at Ducati, he stands as one of the greatest riders of all time.
However, interestingly, Agostini omitted him from his ‘five best riders’. Questioned by Moto.it, the 83-year-old named Mike Hailwood, Kenny Roberts, Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi and Jarno Saarinen as his dream MotoGP grid.
Asked which five riders he would like to race against and on what bike, Agostini replied: “Well, try with the MV Agusta, because it’s the one that gave me so much, and then I would choose the five best riders.
“Who are, as far as I know, Hailwood, Kenny Roberts, Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi, Saarinen.”
“When he was asked about Marquez, he replied: “Well, yes, but also Marc, he’s there too. Yes, he’s there too, which is annoying.”
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Giacomo Agostini names the riders he thinks could dethrone Marc Marquez
As the 2025 MotoGP season enters the final four races, Marquez will miss the next two rounds after fracturing ligaments in his right collarbone at Mandalika. Thankfully for him, he can afford to rest and take time out, given the title is already wrapped up.
The Spaniard will be looking ahead to 2026, where he and Ducati will be expected to defend their crown. But competition will be strong, and Agostini would like to see some other riders challenge Marquez, as his eight-title premier class record is under threat.
Agostini says it ‘would be great’ if Bagnaia could fight Marquez, having struggled immensely in 2025 on the GP25. The Spaniard has dominated his Ducati teammate this season, but Bagnaia will hope 2026 will bring a fresh start and a more comfortable bike.
With a regulations change set to come in 2027, MotoGP may have to wait until then to see the Ant of Cervera beaten. Agostini backs Fabio Quartararo to dethrone Marquez, backing the Frenchman and Yamaha to return to the top.
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