Grand Prix motorcycle racing has seen its fair share of legendary riders, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport with their remarkable achievements. From Giacomo Agostini's astonishing tally of victories to the youthful triumphs of emerging talents, the history of the sport is rich with iconic moments. Let's delve into the structure of Grand Prix victories across different classes and the notable records set by some of the sport's most celebrated figures.
All classes:
Across all classes there’s a familiar name on top for most race wins: Giacomo Agostini. The Italian took a stunning 122 victories throughout his feted career. Next up it’s another familiar Italian MotoGP™ Legend: Valentino Rossi. The ‘Doctor’ won 115 Grands Prix across his tenure in the World Championship. Next comes Angel Nieto, with the 12+1-time World Champion taking 90 wins across all classes.
Then it’s eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) with 85, with Mike Hailwood completing the top five on 76 GP wins. That means that Marc Marquez can very plausibly move up to third overall if he wins five or more Grand Prix races in 2024, equalling or overtaking Nieto.
Turkish rider Can Öncü is the youngest winner in any class after his wildcard win at the 2018 Valencia GP in Moto3™ ahead 15 years and 115 days old. The oldest winner in any class is Arthur Wheeler, aged 46 years and 70 days old when he won the 250cc race at the 1962 Argentina GP.
Premier class:
Considering the premier class only, the rider with the most wins changes. It’s Rossi, who took 89 victories, pulling ahead of Agostini on 68. Marc Marquez also moves up the table when considering premier class only, with 59 MotoGP™ wins to his name. Then it’s two more Legends: Mick Doohan on 54, and Jorge Lorenzo on 47 complete the top five.
That means that Marc Marquez can mathematically move up to second overall if he wins nine or more Grand Prix races in 2024, equalling or overtaking Agostini. He’s won nine or more GPs in a single premier class season three times before: 2014 (13 – including the first 10 in a row), 2018 (9) and 2019 (12).
The oldest premier class winner is Fergus Anderson, who won at the Spanish Grand Prix in 1953 aged 44 years and 237 days old. The youngest premier class winner is… Marc Marquez. He was 20 years and 63 days old when he won at the Circuit of the Americas in 2013.
That’s something that could change this season, however. Rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) has only fuelled the hype in testing so far, and he starts the 2024 season aged 19 years and 290 days old on race day in Qatar. So Acosta has until the German Grand Prix to beat the record!