Let's talk MotoGP: Is Marc Márquez the greatest rider of all time? 1/2

Here we are. The issue of GOAT, where the “greatest of all time” in French version, passionately livens up the evenings of sports fans. In the majority of disciplines, the debate remains open, with several serious candidates for the throne. For several years, it has been clear that the choice Red, which seemed obvious, is somewhat questioned by many fans, and sometimes with very convincing arguments. Of course, Márquez is never far behind. Today and tomorrow, we will look into the question, studying his case in detail, in the most objective way possible, point by point. You can also tell us what you think about it in the comments, but always with respect for the pilot and others, of course.

I) What is it for?

Before we even begin, let’s return to a first existential question. Is it really useful to name one who would benefit from a greater aura than the others? Not especially. This is more of a bar debate than a thesis. But these kinds of discussions, when they are peppered with relevant arguments, are often the most interesting and fascinating, and that is why we are writing this.

Then, the criteria. We are supporters of a somewhat particular theory, but which has borne fruit in other conversations of this kind. We are not going to compare the level, but the size, which is totally different. To be the greatest, you have to do great things, not just win. This subtle difference is important, because behavior on the track, the impact of victories or the glory emanating from a surname are all parameters taken into account. Moreover, it is under this prism that we studied the case of Valentino Rossi, but also carried out rankings such as top 10 French drivers in Grands Prix. Pure statistics and success are in no way overlooked, especially when put into context.

 

In this episode, we will look at what made Marc Márquez great, and we will come back tomorrow, same time, for what is worse as well as our final conclusion, namely the answer to the question posed in the title. Are you ready ? Let's go !

I) The extra-terrestrial

The first point in favor of the eight-time world champion is his supernatural side. In history, no pilot compares and we are not afraid of words. On the bike, Márquez is spectacular, he unites, dazzles. He is a passionate enthusiast, which is not the case with all legends. At a time when driving is becoming smoother and more uniform and electronics are taking precedence over the rest, Márquez is the only one doing Márquez. It's absolutely remarkable. As for examples, which will be distilled throughout this retrospective, we have no shortage of them. We could talk about his rescues, no pilot can imitate him, especially this frequently. In 2019, probably Marc's best, he managed a mind-boggling one per weekend, until having fun with the crowd.

We could talk at length about the qualifications of the Grand Prix of the Americas in 2015, an edition that he marked with his genius by leaving his machine broken down against the pit wall, to seize the mule and slam the pole. We could talk about his excesses from beyond the grave, his sick angles... But that would be far too long. You will have understood, he is a spectacle in himself: His uniqueness weighs heavily in the study of his case. We think, more subjectively, that the “wow effect” relating to Márquez is more important than with Casey Stoner ou Mick doohan.

II) A track record worthy of the greatest

Marc is also in this discussion with the Agostini, Red and other Haiwood because he has a crazy track record. Titled in 125cc, then in Moto2, and finally in MotoGP with rookie status, a fact which had not been seen since Kenny Roberts in 1978. In the premier category, it is 59 victories, 100 podiums, 63 poles (without doubt the best in history in this exercise) and 59 best laps in the race, at the time of writing these lines. No need to spend more time on this point, because if it is necessary, it is already known to everyone: Márquez amply validates the criteria of the prize list. Let's not forget that four of his six world titles (2016-2019) were acquired in the era ofSingle ECU, and sometimes, with an inferior machine. He crushed entire seasons, like in 2014 with 10 consecutive victories, or in 2019, its best campaign, exclusively 1st or 2nd all season except for a crash in Austin, probably caused by a mechanical failure.

III) Moments of history

Here is a slightly more subtle argument. In both the positive and the negative (which we will look at tomorrow), Márquez is part of history with a capital H. During the period dominated by factory drivers, he was at the heart of legendary jousts with Jorge Lorenzo et Valentino Rossi, before or after going to the clash (Laguna Seca 2013 for Vale', and the entire 2013 season with Jorge, then Sepang 2015, Argentina 2018...). Thus, he is always at the heart of conversations, he creates controversy. Contrary to popular belief, not all publicity is good publicity. Márquez is in a middle ground, you either love him or you hate him, but everyone must recognize his talent.

IV) A barely believable destiny

To conclude this first part, we will address a point that is not so discussed. Who really talked about his winning comeback? His victory at the Sachsenring in 2021 is one of the greatest moments in modern history. His fate is largely comparable to that of Mick doohan and even, to a lesser extent, to that of Niki Lauda in 1976, although his life was never in danger. His three victories in 2021, including two on his favorite tracks (Austin and Sachsenring) should be addressed more often. Marc was in hell for over a year. Clearly, this comeback could be the subject of a film. All of this contributes to his greatness and if he wins again in 2023, after another difficult year, then he will further cement his place in legend.

That's all for today ! Anyway, this is one of the biggest ones, as you already know. The second part has already been published! Find it by clicking on this highlighted sentence. Tell us what you think in the comments! 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport