“Credo che si aprirà un vero dibattito su chi tra Marquez e Agostini sia il più grande di tutti i tempi.
Per me, se vincerà questo decimo titolo mondiale, sarà senza dubbio il più grande dell’era moderna. Rossi neanche c’è in quel gruppo,” Jorge Lorenzo stated on TNT Sports 2, as gazzetta.it reported.
Former MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo asserted that Valentino Rossi holds no place in the greatest of all time discussion. Lorenzo offered his assessment as Marc Marquez approaches a milestone tenth world championship, arriving alongside the release of Rossi’s new book recounting their contentious 2015 championship battle.
The Modern Era Rivalry and Rankings
Lorenzo identified Giacomo Agostini and Marquez as the sole contenders for motorcycle racing’s ultimate status. According to gazzetta.it, the former Yamaha rider insisted that Rossi sits entirely outside that tier of riders.
Jorge Lorenzo excludes Valentino Rossi from Marc Marquez GOAT debate, sides with Agostini Marc Marquez is set to surpass Valentino Rossis premier class titles, sparking debate about the greatest MotoGP rider ahead of the Portuguese round.https://t.co/oNXCdis7Bf pic.twitter.com/sU5MgmhN8E
Marquez stands on the verge of securing his tenth career world title across all classes. That trajectory places him near Agostini’s benchmark of eight premier-class crowns and past Rossi’s career total of nine world championships overall.
Il Fatto Quotidiano noted that dismissing Rossi’s overall resume reduces his career strictly to raw championship arithmetic. The publication argued that such an approach ignores his immense cultural impact and global popularity.
Marquez Relies on Technique Despite Physical Struggles
Lorenzo also evaluated Marquez’s recent physical struggles on the grid. He pointed to the rider’s crash at Mandalika last year as a turning point that sapped his physical strength.
“Credo che Marc fosse più forte l’anno scorso, prima dell’infortunio di Mandalika. Quella caduta lo ha indebolito fisicamente e quest’anno ha faticato a mantenere la sua forma, ma ha compensato con la pura tecnica,” Lorenzo explained to TNT Sports 2, as gazzetta.it reported.
Despite those physical setbacks, Lorenzo maintained that Marquez remains unmatched in pure riding ability. “In termini di tecnica e di guida, Marquez è il migliore di sempre,” he added.
Controversy from the 2015 Season Persists
The debate arrives wrapped in lingering friction from the 2015 season. Lorenzo secured the world title that year amid intense controversy involving Rossi and Marquez during the final rounds of the championship.
Il Fatto Quotidiano pointed out that Rossi lost two world titles at the final Grand Prix, including the 2015 showdown won by Lorenzo. Observers continue to debate the actions of Marquez during those closing races.
Critics of Lorenzo’s viewpoint argue that Rossi’s legacy extends far beyond statistics and trophy counts. Il Fatto Quotidiano likened Rossi’s influence on motorcycle racing to Michael Jordan’s impact on basketball, noting that the sport experienced a distinct era before and after his arrival.
Worth a look
