– When talking about the greatest legends of motorcycle racing, his name always comes first: Giacomo Agostini. 15 World Championship titles, 122 victories: numbers that have been the benchmark for decades. But one question now accompanies him at almost every appearance: Can anyone break his title record?
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In an interview with Moto.it, Agostini looks at the present and future of MotoGP and especially at the rider who could come closest to his historic record.
Does Agostini have to worry about his records?
Agostini knows that even the greatest records are not made for eternity. “Records are there to be broken,” he says openly. Everything is possible in motorsport, including that someone will eventually surpass his numbers. And if any rider currently has the ability to do so, it is Marc Marquez.
“Marquez is the one today who could approach or beat my records,” Agostini explains. The Spaniard is still relatively young and possesses the talent and determination necessary to make history.
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At the same time, the record world champion puts the chances into perspective: time is also working against Marquez. Career windows in modern racing are limited, and the Ducati rider doesn’t have many years left to reach the mark of 15 titles.
He naturally hopes that his records will stand, Agostini says with a smile. “But if he really breaks them, then they should at least invite me to the celebration.”
Marc Marquez the favorite for the title
Sportingly, Agostini currently sees Marquez in a strong position. For him, despite the strong competition, the Spaniard remains the man to beat in the title fight.
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“He is a world champion, and he is the man to be feared,” the Italian is convinced. Although Marquez had a difficult winter after his injury last year and was out for a long time. “But he is a very strong rider” who makes the difference in decisive moments with his experience.
Bezzecchi as Italy’s beacon of hope
But as much as Agostini respects Marquez, emotionally his heart still beats for the Italian riders. He particularly highlights Marco Bezzecchi, who recently impressed with Aprilia: “He is riding very well at the moment.”
The Italian showed what potential he has with his victory at the season opener in Thailand and is confirming his skills at the highest level.
Agostini also believes Francesco Bagnaia is capable of a comeback. After a disappointing season, the double world champion might have lacked some bite. Perhaps he had too many thoughts in his head, the experienced ex-pilot suspects.
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The decisive thing now is to find the old aggressiveness and the absolute will to win again. Bagnaia must not think about the fact that someone else might be faster. “He has the quality to win again,” Agostini emphasizes.
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