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? Here is the second part of this debate.
Who can claim this title? After having mentioned
Valentino Rossi et Eddie lawson
in the first part, here are now three other serious clients.
Giacomo Agostini, the (deposed?) king
Before Rossi, there was Agostini. The sacred monster of the Grands Prix. The myth, the legend. With 15 titles including eight in the premier category (record), no one matches the statistics of King Ago. However, this needs to be weighed. Today it is accepted that Giacomo didn't have as much competition as Rossi, the sport just wasn't the same. MV Agusta reigned supreme in the 350cc and 500cc categories, even before the advent of Agostini.
Certainly the Tourist trophy, (at the time in the championship), was contested and won by the king, which is not the case for Vale. However, this is a biased argument since it would be inconceivable to see current MotoGP racing on the
Snaeffel Mountain Course.
Ago had this aura but it was difficult to compare with that of Rossi, the era and the evolution of media coverage also working against him.
The king. Photo: Nationaal Archief.
Mike Hailwood, “The bike himself”
Mike Hailwood comes up often and rightly so. Nine times titled including four times in 500cc, he is especially supported to be the
king of the Tourist Trophy. But again, the era in which he evolved is nothing comparable and his victories at the TT cannot make the difference against a Rossi or a Lawson.
Haiwood had incredible talent regardless of the machine he rode. There is a good chance that “
Mike the Bike » and Agostini had a similar level but the Italian benefited from a superior bike for a large part of his career.
For the legendary appearance and courage of this pilot, Mike could be a candidate for the title of GOAT. However, some bitter defeats (notably in 1961 against
Gary Hocking) hold it back somewhat.
Mike Hailwood and Giacomo Agostini during the 1967 TT Assen. Photo: ANEFO
Marc Márquez, the UFO
Since 2013, Marc Márquez has broken all records, one by one. At only 28 years old, he is already part of this caste. Eight championship titles including six in MotoGP, all in a very competitive era until 2016. In addition, he was also able to adapt to the unique electronics, considerably leveling the grid. Through his driving style beyond the limits and his combative but always smiling state of mind, Márquez revolutionized and refreshed the discipline.
Difficult to judge a current career, especially given his young age. Now diminished, it is impossible to know if he will be able to lift the crown of world champion again.
Whatever happens, he will forever remain this alien, this unidentified rolling object that defied his adversaries but also physics.
What do you think ? Who do you think is the GOAT? In fact, Valentino Rossi's impact is such that it is difficult not to elect him. MotoGP has changed dimensions since 2000 and no one can deny the importance of “The doctor” in this evolution.
Photo: Box Repsol
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
