Rossi is perhaps the greatest legend of motorcycle Grand Prix. In twenty years of career, “The Doctor” has broken dozens of different records. We have selected a few for you in honor of the Italian.
Largest number of departures
With 432 departures on the clock (spread over 26 seasons), Rossi is logically the holder of this untouchable record. If we talk about the premier category only, “The Doctor” cumulates 372 departures, 126 more than his pursuer, Alex Barros.
Andrea Dovizioso figures second if we take into account the three different displacements, with 332 starts from 2001 to 2021. The Italian will be there in 2022, but the record is out of reach. Moreover, Rossi has completed 333 races in the premier class.
Largest number of podiums
Here again, “Vale” sets the bar very high. During his career, he rose to 235 times on the box. Giacomo Agostini, second, has “only” 159, or 76 less. In the premier category only, he is also in front, accumulating 199 appearances on the podium, against 114 for his rival
Jorge Lorenzo.
Marc Márquez, technically still active, has 99 at 28 years old, and 138 in MotoGP. At 20 races per season, it would take almost five years for the Spaniard to match him, only if he finishes on the podium in every race!
An incredible record.
Most seasons with at least one pole position
Vale, with 16 different seasons (including 14 in the premier category), towers above all competition. For once, it's Dani Pedrosa which is a bit short, with 15 in total (tied with Jorge Lorenzo) and 11 in MotoGP.
Largest number of departures with the same manufacturer (premier category).
No one did better than the 275 races contested by the tandem Rossi/Yamaha, from 2004 to 2010 then from 2013 to 2021. Once again, Dani Pedrosa, with Honda, is second, far behind however (217 units).
The years 2011 and 2012 were not the most prolific in terms of records. Photo: Matt Billings
Highest number of victories (premier category)
Perhaps the most important of all his records. With 89 victories in 500cc then in MotoGP, Rossi sits alone, very far in front of his closest pursuer in the person of
Giacomo Agostini (68). Márquez, third, is at 59.
Highest number of consecutive podiums (premier category)
To win championships, consistency is the key. Of
Portuguese Grand Prix 2002 au 2004 South African GP, “Rossifumi” never got off the podium, 23 in a row! This incredible victory on the Welkom track allowed the Italian to overtake his compatriot Agostini who had brought the mark to 22 from 1967 to 1969.
Highest number of pole positions in the same Grand Prix (premier category)
With seven pole positions gleaned from Italian Grand Prix, Rossi is now tied with
Márquez (which has seven in Germany as well as the USA). To be continued...
Largest number of fastest laps in a race (premier category)
76 fastest laps in the race, this is the mark to beat. If Agostini follows with 69, the task will be difficult for Marc Márquez, at 59. However, the Spanish extra-terrestrial can do it.
Highest number of points scored (premier category)
Without a doubt the most untouchable record of VR46's career. With 5 points, he is ahead Dani Pedrosa of 2 points, a little more than the total of
Marquez (2) !
Highest number of races finished in points (premier category)
Once again, with 325, Rossi probably won't be caught for quite a while. Dovizioso, his runner-up, has 203.
Largest time gap between the first and last championship (premier category)
It is now certain: Rossi will never have his tenth title. Between his first coronation, acquired in 2001, and his last in 2009,
2 days have passed. This is another huge record.
Largest time gap between the first and last victory (premier category).
Rossi and Yamaha, a love story.
It has passed 6 days between the 195 British Grand Prix and the 2 Dutch Grand Prix, weekend of his last world championship victory. At 17 years apart, this is of course a record.
Highest number of victories on circuits and in different countries (premier category)
“Valentinik” combines both records. The No. 46 has won in 17 different countries, and on 23 routes.
That's it for these crazy records! Of course, given the number and the career, we have undoubtedly forgotten some, but the essential is there! Which do you think is the craziest? Tell us in the comments!
Cover photo: Motoracerports
