The Greatest 10 MotoGP Racers in History

Since its start in 1949, Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing, commonly known as the MotoGP World Championship, has been home to numerous iconic champions. Competitors ride custom-built motorcycles with four-stroke engines, which are not sold to the public. These races take place on 18 tracks across 13 countries, including the United States, Italy, and Australia, among others. The championship demands immense focus and dedication from its participants. Over the past six decades, a select few riders have distinguished themselves as the best in the sport. Below is a ranking of the top 10 MotoGP racers in history.

10. Kenny Roberts

Kenny Roberts, a legendary motorcycle racer, made history by becoming the youngest to win a MotoGP premier class championship in his debut year. He was also the first American to secure a world title in the 500cc category. Between 1978 and 1980, Roberts clinched three MotoGP championships. Beyond his trophies, his innovative riding style left a lasting impact on the sport. He pioneered the technique of leaning off the bike with extended knees during corners, revolutionizing how motorcycles were ridden in grand prix races.

9. Marc Márquez

At just 22 years old, Spanish racer Marc Marquez has already left an undeniable mark on MotoGP. Turning pro in 2010 at 17, he won the MotoGP title that same year, followed by another in 2012. He then secured back-to-back premier class titles in his first two professional years, becoming the youngest to achieve such a feat. In 2014, Marquez won the first nine grand prix events of the season. Many believe he could become the most decorated rider in MotoGP history if he maintains his current trajectory. With many racing years ahead, his potential is limitless.

8. John Surtees

John Surtees, a British racing icon, dominated motorcycle racing in the 1950s. He won four World Championships in the 500cc class and three in the 350cc category, totaling seven world titles. Surtees wasn’t limited to motorcycles; he also excelled in car racing, winning the Formula 1 World Championship in 1964. This made him the only person to win world titles on both two and four wheels. Many regard him as the greatest British racer in history, whether on motorcycles or in cars.

7. Mike Hailwood

Known as “Mike The Bike,” Hailwood is another British legend often compared to John Surtees in the debate over the greatest racer of all time. From 1958 to 1967, Hailwood ruled motorcycle racing, securing four world championships and nine titles across various classes. Like Surtees, he transitioned to Formula 1 racing, but his dreams of an F1 championship ended tragically in 1981. Hailwood died in a car accident while driving to get fish and chips with his children. A truck making an illegal turn collided with his car, killing him and his nine-year-old daughter Michelle. His son David survived, and the truck driver was fined £100 for the incident.

6. Michael Doohan

Australian racer Michael Doohan is hailed as one of the greatest motorcycle riders in history. He claimed five consecutive MotoGP titles from 1994 to 1998, a record only surpassed by Giacomo Agostini and Valentino Rossi. Doohan spent his entire career with the Honda race team, marking a dominant era for Honda that few riders have since matched. Beyond his riding skills, Doohan was known for his mechanical expertise, particularly in setting up his 500cc bike. Many regard him as much a mechanic as a rider.

5. Casey Stoner

Despite retiring early and securing only two world championships, Australian racer Casey Stoner is widely regarded as one of the greatest motorcycle riders in history. A two-time MotoGP World Champion in 2007 and 2011, Stoner was renowned for pushing motorcycles beyond their limits, even achieving victories on the less competitive Ducati bike while Honda and Yamaha were advancing their technology. His exceptional control at high speeds set him apart. On May 17, 2012, at the French Grand Prix, Stoner announced his retirement from MotoGP, citing a loss of passion for the sport. Many believe he retired prematurely and could have achieved more with a stronger team.

4. Wayne Rainey

Wayne Rainey, arguably the greatest American motorcycle racer, dominated the late 1980s and early 1990s, winning three MotoGP World Championships and the Daytona 200. Known for his smooth, calculated riding style and calm demeanor, Rainey’s career was tragically cut short in 1993. While leading the championship, he crashed at the Italian Grand Prix in Misano, hitting a gravel trap at high speed and breaking his spine against a safety feature designed for cars. The accident left him permanently paralyzed from the chest down, ending his racing career.

3. Jorge Lorenzo

In Spain, where MotoGP enjoys immense popularity, Jorge Lorenzo is a household name. A three-time MotoGP World Champion (2010, 2012, and 2015), Lorenzo is celebrated as a national hero. Riding for Team Yamaha, he became the first Spanish rider to win multiple premier class titles in 2012. With 61 career wins, he ranks fifth on the all-time list, and his career is far from over. Starting his professional journey at 15, Lorenzo has consistently impressed, making him the most successful Spanish motorcycle rider in history with even greater achievements likely ahead.

2. Valentino Rossi

Valentino Rossi, the legendary Italian motorcycle racer, continues to compete and remains one of the most accomplished riders in history, with nine Grand Prix World Championships, including seven in the premier class. He began his career by securing two titles in the lower MotoGP categories before dominating the premier class with seven consecutive world titles. Rossi has been a defining figure in modern MotoGP, maintaining his competitive edge into the 2016 season. Known for bringing excitement, charisma, and star power to the sport, Rossi is often compared to a rock star. In Italy, he is celebrated as one of the nation’s most iconic athletes and celebrities.

1. Giacomo Agostini

Giacomo Agostini, an Italian racing legend, is widely considered the greatest motorcycle racer of all time. From 1964 to 1977, he amassed an unmatched record of 122 Grand Prix wins and 17 World Championship titles, primarily in the 500cc class, with seven titles in the 350cc category. His 17 championships and 122 wins remain unparalleled, cementing his status as the most successful rider in history. Today, Agostini is revered as a MotoGP legend and continues to serve as an ambassador for the sport.