Thanks to a slew of young talents, the average age of the MotoGP field is only decreasing. However, two pilots are putting up resistance! Indeed, Andrea Dovizioso (35 years old) et Aleix Espargaró (32 years old) are on track to overtake some major drivers in terms of longevity.
Let us already deal with the case of Italian. Dovizioso, on the world circuits since 2002, is already at the top of the basket despite half a season of absence. If the record for starts in the premier category of Valentino Rossi is absolutely untouchable
(372), Dovi is 3rd with 236.
Alex Barros, excellent Brazilian driver of the 1990s and 2000s, is now only nine units away! It means that Dovi' could well go second from the Dutch Grand Prix, scheduled for June 26, barring a major problem.
After a short break, Dovi is back! Photo: Michelin Motorsport
If we take into account all the categories, the Italian is already second for three rounds, but remains behind 98 units de “The Doctor”. It would take about five years to hope to see him take this statistic, which is unlikely. Remember that Andrea still has an incredible record, that of the greatest number of consecutive starts in the premier category, with 229. To put it simply, the three-time world vice-champion has never missed a race in his entire life, apart from his pre-retirement at the start of 2021 of course!
For Aleix, the mission is the same. Except that in MotoGP, he can easily wipe out three riders! Indeed, the Spaniard sits 8th in the ranking with 199 races started. Before him are Jorge Lorenzo at 203,
Capirossi at 217 while two drivers share 5th place, with 218 :
Nicky Hayden et Dani Pedrosa. However, I will espargaro is still fresh and has one of the best physiques on the grid.
Alex Barros and Nicky Hayden, two giants with extraordinary longevity. Photo: Oz
A cycling enthusiast, it is not uncommon to see him training with professionals. This sport is known to maintain and provide exceptional physical condition. In the event of a 2023 season (let's imagine that 21 races are on the program, like this year), it could well fail not far from Barros (240, if he doesn't get hurt, against 246)!
When studying these paintings, one name jumps out. Simone Corsi, 34 years old, is, with 308 starts, the 5th driver having competed in the most Grands Prix in history in all categories! The Italian has the particularity of never having gone through MotoGP, which makes this anecdote completely crazy. On MV Agusta, he can try to look for Thomas Lüthi (323), recently retired.
Dovi' will he be able to catch up
Valentino Rossi ? Aleix Espargaro, even younger, will he finish first in this ranking without ever winning a single race? Tell us what you think in the comments!
