Marco Bezzecchi
Fernando Alonso and Marc Marquez share a unique position as Spain’s flag-bearing world champions in modern motorsport.
In their own respective categories, both Fernando Alonso and Marc Marquez are considered to be among some of the biggest names to have emerged from the Iberian country.
Alonso is the most experienced Formula 1 driver ever, and holds two world titles as well as 106 podiums to his name from a career that has spanned over 22 seasons in the pinnacle of single-seater motor racing.
Marquez’s name holds the same weight in Spanish households, albeit with a much more successful resume.
The factory Ducati star secured his ninth world title in Grand Prix motorcycle racing this season, and is widely regarded as one of the, if not the, best riders that has ever graced the premier class.
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Who is the greater rider?
Fernando Alonso praises Marc Marquez’s return to top form with Ducati in 2025
During DAZN’s latest documentary detailing the return of Marquez’s finest form from the depths of his injury nightmare, Alonso issued his assessment of the #93’s title-winning campaign in 2025.
The current Aston Martin F1 driver said, “It’s exceptional, because apart from Marc’s talent as a rider, you have to have extraordinary mental strength and discipline.
“No normal person, which is why I say exceptional, can go five years without winning a title and not lose an ounce of determination, competitive spirit, and talent, of course.
“Always wanting to improve on a world champion is very difficult, and getting it into your head and having the discipline to improve every day for that, few people can do it.
“I think what Marc is doing this year is within the reach of very few. We athletes and drivers understand each other, because when you have a break, whether it’s my two sabbaticals or a major injury like the one he had, it’s not just about the talent or sensitivity you may have.
“The speed at which things happen at 350 kilometres per hour is very different from real life; there is nothing that can simulate that.”
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Fernando Alonso is a big fan of MotoGP, and has attended multiple races
The two-time Formula 1 world champion isn’t a stranger to the MotoGP paddock, having been present for multiple Grand Prix motorcycle races in the past.
Alonso was in attendance at the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix, which saw Francesco Bagnaia take his seventh victory of the season, and the Spaniard was stunned at the differences between the premier class and its four-wheeled counterpart.
He highlighted how much free time riders are given during the race weekends, a luxury that isn’t given to F1 drivers, whose racing duties are sandwiched in between countless marketing appearances and debriefs.
Alonso also paid tribute to Marquez after he secured his seventh MotoGP title at the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this year.
He was joined by fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz in praising the 32-year-old on an Instagram post that celebrated the feat.
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