For years, the MotoGP world pitted Valentino Rossi against Marc Marquez. Two generations. Two styles. Two personalities. Two visions of racing. And yet, one of the few men who worked closely with both champions now claims that they shared the exact same fundamental quality. That man is Santi Hernandez. And when he speaks, the paddock listens.
Because few technicians can boast of having been involved from the inside in the story of two of the greatest drivers of all time. First, alongside... Valentino RossiThen, at the home of Marc MarquezTwo multiple world champions. Two icons. Two phenomena who profoundly marked their era.
When Valentino Rossi left Honda to Yamaha In 2004, he took part of his technical team with him. A choice that has become legendary. Almost ten years later, Marc Marquez adopted exactly the same logic when joining Honda MotoGP from Moto2.
He wanted to keep around him the trusted men who had contributed to his rise. Among them was Santi HernandezFor the Spanish engineer, this detail is not insignificant.
« They are champions. They are two drivers who have made history in the world championship and are role models for many young drivers. It's the similarity. »
A simple sentence. But heavy with meaning. Because for HernandezTheir main commonality lies neither in their speed nor in their natural talent. It lies in their ability to inspire.
« I can't say anything bad about anyone. Rossi treated me very well during the time I worked with him. »
The image of the lone pilot is appealing. The reality is different. Rossi as Marquez They always placed paramount importance on their inner circle. They knew that a world championship is never won alone. Trust. Stability. Loyalty. These are all elements that explain why the two men always sought to keep the same faces around them. The same points of reference. The same methods.
This team culture is probably one of the least visible secrets to their success.
Si Hernandez refuses to establish a ranking between the two champions, he acknowledges that his relationship with Marc Marquez has become much more personal. Everyone has their own personality. I can make this comparison with Marc because I worked with him longer, and when I was with Valentino, my role was different – I was in charge of the suspension, so I had less information. »
The engineer refuses any controversy on motorcyclesports. On the contrary. " I can't say anything bad about anyone. Valentino treated me very well during the time I worked with him.Then he adds a sentence that perfectly sums up his connection with Mark. « With Marc, it's different because our relationship is one of friendship. It's different »
A rare statement in an environment where professional relationships generally remain highly codified. The remarks ofHernandez They mainly serve as a reminder of a reality that is often forgotten. Rossi et Marquez They didn't just win races. They transformed MotoGP.
Valentino Rossi has helped to bring the discipline into a new global media dimension. Marc Marquez then pushed the boundaries of modern piloting with unprecedented aggressiveness and adaptability.
Their styles were opposite. So were their personalities. But their influence goes far beyond the realm of statistics.
Finally, the testimony of Santi Hernandez provides an unexpected answer to a question fans have debated for over fifteen years: What truly brings them together? Rossi et Marquez Not their victories. Not their records. Not even their talent.
According to the man who witnessed their successes firsthand, their true commonality lies elsewhere: in their ability to create a cohesive team around themselves, to inspire those who work alongside them, and to transform a group of mechanics, engineers, and technicians into a family capable of winning world championships. And perhaps that is precisely what separates the truly great drivers from the true legends.
