Cervera, Spain – Ducati’s Marc Márquez recently stated that his motivation for competing in MotoGP isn’t to surpass the records of Valentino Rossi, a sentiment reflecting a shift in perspective after a challenging period in his career. As of the 2025 season, Márquez is on the cusp of equaling Rossi’s nine World Championship titles, and a successful 2026 season would spot him move ahead of the Italian legend.
Despite the potential to become the most decorated Grand Prix motorcycle racer of all time, Márquez insists his focus remains on the joy of competition and personal growth, rather than solely on chasing historical milestones. This comes as the Spaniard continues to rebuild his form with Ducati after a difficult spell at Honda.
While Márquez is approaching Rossi’s championship tally, he still trails both Rossi and Giacomo Agostini in total race wins. Rossi boasts 115 victories, while Agostini holds the all-time record with 122. Márquez currently has 99 wins, achieved most recently at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, as reported by multiple sources.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, as cited by Motosan, Márquez emphasized that he doesn’t measure his success against other riders. “I have never gone onto the track thinking I could match one rider or another,” he said. “My goal has always been to win, to have fun, and to provide my best.” Rossi echoed this sentiment, adding that the pursuit of victory should be the primary driver for any competitor.
Márquez’s change in outlook comes after regaining his motivation following a severe injury and a subsequent period of struggle with Honda. He explained that he’s now focused on evaluating every aspect of his performance, from each practice session to every battle on the track. “Before, I was only focused on the results,” Márquez stated. “Now I evaluate every step, every improvement, every fight on the track.”
The 33-year-old Spaniard, who began his MotoGP career with Honda in 2013, quickly established himself as a dominant force, winning championships in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. He added a seventh title in 2025. His early success saw him become the youngest MotoGP champion in 2013, a record that underscored his exceptional talent. He currently races for the Ducati Lenovo Team, having previously ridden for the Gresini Ducati team in 2024.
Márquez’s relationship with Rossi has been well-documented, evolving from initial admiration to a fierce rivalry. As a young rider, Márquez idolized Rossi, even having a diecast model signed by the Italian legend. However, as Márquez rose through the ranks, their competitive spirit inevitably led to clashes on the track, including a controversial incident at the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix. Despite the on-track battles, Márquez has consistently expressed his respect for Rossi, acknowledging his influence on the sport.
The shift in Márquez’s focus isn’t about diminishing the importance of winning, but rather about finding fulfillment in the process of continuous improvement. “I want to continue to grow as a rider and as a person, and do it in a way that makes me happy,” he said. “In short, I want to continue to compete at the highest level and do it in a way that satisfies me.”
Márquez’s 2026 campaign with Ducati will be closely watched as he aims to add an unprecedented tenth World Championship to his resume. However, as he’s made clear, his primary goal isn’t to surpass Rossi’s legacy, but to push his own limits and enjoy the ride.
The MotoGP season continues, with the next race scheduled for [insert next race date and location here – *verification needed*]. Fans can follow Márquez’s progress and the championship battle on the official MotoGP website: https://www.motogp.com/
