Goat, in English, does not just mean goat. Indeed, it is also the acronym for Greatest Of All Time, or the “greatest of all time”. This expression, born in the United States, often comes up in debates concerning basketball or football. What about MotoGP? Is Rossi the greatest driver we have ever known?
First of all, what does it mean to be “the greatest”? It's not just a question of titles, victories, podiums. It is also an influence, an impact on the discipline or more, on sport in general. So, we will determine the five major contenders for this title, without ranking them, of course. However, we will give our GOAT at the conclusion of part two.
Eddie Lawson, the outsider.
Lawson is too often left out of this conversation. In terms of results, he has nothing to envy of his direct competitors. Four times 500cc world champion on two different brands (including the double 1988 /1989
on Yamaha, then Honda), “ Steady Eddie » was the main animator of the 1980s, the second most competitive era in history.
Indeed, this must be taken into account. To determine which eras are the most difficult to dominate, simply draw up a top 50 of the best drivers – if you have a week to spare – and then break it down by decade. You will notice that the 1980s are teeming with generational talent.
Randy Mamola, Freddie Spencer,
Wayne Gardner,
Wayne Rainey, Mick Doohan, Kevin Schwantz, Christian Sarron, John Kocinski...All of them have been beaten by Lawson at one time or another. However, certain elements work against it. First of all, the fact that there is only one double (1988/1989), “only” four titles and a withdrawn personality, much less demonstrative than its competitors. If we talk about piloting only, Lawson is up there. Character, an important criterion, is perhaps the only failing of the American genius.
Photo: Rikita
Valentino Rossi, the chosen one
Rossi is, by far, the most decorated driver in history.
115 victories, nine titles, 235 podiums and exceptional longevity. All is said. This is to be added to its colossal influence and its strong character, unique in history. It's a safe bet that Rossi is bigger than
MotoGP. Everyone knows Rossi, even without knowing anything about Grands Prix. Its VR46 brand, its successful career in Moto2 and now ahead in MotoGP, its celebrations and its media outings have punctuated its last twenty years. Furthermore, Rossi evolved in the most competitive era in Grand Prix history (2008-2016) where fierce battles raged. Rossi is the GOAT and there is no point in dwelling on his case any further.
Of course, the few quarrels maintained over the years can harm “the doctor”. The quarrels were not always resolved on the track but at the court of arbitration for sport, which is not desirable.
That's all for today ! Later we will see three other potential customers. Tell us what you think ! All relevant comments will be read and discussed !
Photo: Christianb_7
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
