🏍️Best MotoGP Riders of All Time

Mick Doohan▲ Rising

Doohan won five straight 500cc titles from 1994-1998 and 54 races despite a near-fatal leg injury in 1992. His Honda partnership produced one of the most dominant streaks in grand prix history. Few riders overcame greater physical adversity to reach the top.

Championships: 5Race Wins: 54Podiums: 95Poles: 58Years Active: 1989-1999Impact Rating: 9.2/10

added by IJR

Marc Márquez▲ Rising

Márquez seized six premier titles before age 27, including four consecutive from 2016-2019, with an aggressive style that redefined corner entry. His 2013 rookie win and multiple comebacks from injury showed rare resilience. He remains the benchmark for raw speed in the modern era.

Championships: 8Race Wins: 85Podiums: 140Poles: 70Years Active: 2013-presentImpact Rating: 9.5/10

added by IJRMarc Márquez

Giacomo Agostini▲ Rising

Agostini dominated the 350cc and 500cc classes for over a decade, claiming a record 15 world titles and 122 premier-class wins. His rivalry with Mike Hailwood and later takeover of MV Agusta defined an era of Italian excellence. No rider has matched his championship haul.

Championships: 15Race Wins: 122Podiums: 165Poles: 90Years Active: 1964-1977Impact Rating: 9.8/10

added by IJR

Casey Stoner▲ Rising

Stoner won two titles with Ducati in 2007 and Honda in 2011, delivering one of the most spectacular riding styles ever seen. His 2007 rookie championship and 2011 return proved he could win on any machinery. Sudden retirement at 27 left fans wanting more.

Championships: 2Race Wins: 38Podiums: 75Poles: 43Years Active: 2006-2012Impact Rating: 8.9/10

added by IJRCasey Stoner

Valentino Rossi

Rossi won nine titles across 125cc to MotoGP, including five premier crowns, and became the sport's global superstar. His 2004-2009 battles with Gibernau and Stoner plus the 2010s resurgence cemented his legacy. He turned racing into theater while still winning at the highest level.

Championships: 9Race Wins: 115Podiums: 199Poles: 65Years Active: 1996-2021Impact Rating: 9.7/10

added by IJRValentino Rossi

Mike Hailwood

Hailwood won nine world titles including four 500cc crowns and became a fan favorite for his effortless talent and sportsmanship. His battles with Agostini remain legendary. Few riders have combined multiple classes and sheer charisma so successfully.

Championships: 9Race Wins: 76Podiums: 112Poles: 65Years Active: 1958-1967Impact Rating: 8.8/10

added by IJRMike Hailwood

Wayne Gardner▲ Rising

Gardner became Australia's first 500cc champion in 1987 and helped establish the country as a MotoGP powerhouse. His aggressive style and 1987 title fight with Lawson remain iconic. He paved the way for Doohan, Stoner and beyond.

Championships: 1Race Wins: 18Podiums: 48Poles: 19Years Active: 1983-1992Impact Rating: 7.9/10

added by IJRWayne Gardner

Kenny Roberts▲ Rising

Roberts became the first American 500cc champion in 1978 and added two more titles while pioneering the slide-and-power style still used today. He later founded the breakaway Grand Prix series that forced changes in the sport. His influence extends far beyond statistics.

Championships: 3Race Wins: 22Podiums: 50Poles: 20Years Active: 1974-1983Impact Rating: 9/10

added by IJRKenny Roberts

Jorge Lorenzo

Lorenzo captured three premier titles with clinical consistency, including back-to-back crowns in 2010 and 2012. His 2015 move to Yamaha and 2013 Ducati experiment highlighted adaptability few champions possess. Precise riding made him the perfect foil to Rossi and Márquez.

Championships: 3Race Wins: 47Podiums: 110Poles: 66Years Active: 2008-2019Impact Rating: 8.8/10

added by IJRJorge Lorenzo

John Surtees

Surtees remains the only man to win both motorcycle and Formula 1 world championships, taking four 500cc titles on MV Agusta. His mechanical feedback and versatility set standards still admired today. Crossing from bikes to cars cemented his unique place in motorsport history.

Championships: 4Race Wins: 38Podiums: 55Poles: 35Years Active: 1952-1960Impact Rating: 8.6/10

added by IJRJohn Surtees

Eddie Lawson

Lawson won four 500cc titles across Yamaha and Honda, becoming the first rider to take the crown on two different marques. His steady, calculated approach contrasted with more flamboyant rivals. Consistent excellence over eight seasons made him a quiet legend.

Championships: 4Race Wins: 31Podiums: 78Poles: 24Years Active: 1980-1992Impact Rating: 8.5/10

added by IJREddie Lawson

Max Biaggi▼ Falling

Biaggi won four 250cc titles before taking the 2001 500cc crown and becoming a consistent MotoGP podium threat. His fierce Rossi rivalry defined early 2000s racing. Smooth style and longevity earned him the nickname 'The Roman Emperor'.

Championships: 5Race Wins: 42Podiums: 95Poles: 41Years Active: 1991-2005Impact Rating: 8/10

added by IJRMax Biaggi

Loris Capirossi

Capirossi won the 125cc and 250cc titles before becoming the first premier-class winner on a Ducati in 2003. His 2006 and 2007 seasons showed he could still challenge for wins into his 30s. Longevity across three decades marks him as a true survivor.

Championships: 3Race Wins: 29Podiums: 72Poles: 26Years Active: 1990-2011Impact Rating: 7.7/10

added by IJRLoris Capirossi

Troy Bayliss

Bayliss won the 2006 MotoGP title as a wildcard at Phillip Island after dominating World Superbike. His one-off premier success and later full-time career showed versatility across formats. The ultimate late bloomer in grand prix racing.

Championships: 1Race Wins: 7Podiums: 20Poles: 5Years Active: 2003-2006Impact Rating: 6.8/10

added by IJRTroy Bayliss

Kenny Roberts Jr.▲ Rising

Roberts Jr. followed his father's footsteps by winning the 2000 500cc title on a Suzuki. His aggressive style and 2000 championship battle against Biaggi proved he belonged in the family business. A single title and solid career honored the Roberts name.

Championships: 1Race Wins: 15Podiums: 45Poles: 12Years Active: 1993-2006Impact Rating: 7.2/10

added by IJR

Freddie Spencer

Spencer won back-to-back 250cc and 500cc titles in 1983 and 1985 at just 21, showcasing precocious talent on Honda machinery. His 1983 season remains one of the most dominant in history. Early burnout cut short a potentially historic career.

Championships: 3Race Wins: 27Podiums: 45Poles: 27Years Active: 1980-1987Impact Rating: 8.1/10

added by IJRFreddie Spencer

Andrea Dovizioso

Dovizioso won three consecutive races in 2017 and challenged Márquez for multiple titles with Ducati. His tactical riding and 2018-2019 championship battles proved he could beat the best on equal machinery. Consistent top-five finishes defined his prime.

Championships: 0Race Wins: 24Podiums: 90Poles: 15Years Active: 2008-2022Impact Rating: 7.8/10

added by IJRAndrea Dovizioso

Kevin Schwantz

Schwantz won the 1993 500cc title in a dramatic finale after years of spectacular duels with Rainey and Lawson. His all-or-nothing riding thrilled crowds and produced some of the most exciting races of the era. Raw talent overcame inconsistent machinery.

Championships: 1Race Wins: 25Podiums: 55Poles: 29Years Active: 1986-1995Impact Rating: 8.3/10

added by IJRKevin Schwantz

Wayne Rainey

Rainey secured three consecutive 500cc titles from 1990-1992 before a career-ending crash at Misano. His fierce rivalry with Kevin Schwantz produced some of the 90s' greatest races. Few riders combined raw speed with such tactical intelligence.

Championships: 3Race Wins: 24Podiums: 65Poles: 30Years Active: 1988-1993Impact Rating: 8.7/10

added by IJRWayne Rainey

Dani Pedrosa

Pedrosa won three smaller-class titles and became a perennial podium threat in MotoGP with 31 wins. His smooth style and 2012-2013 championship challenges showed elite talent. Injury issues prevented a premier-class crown despite consistent excellence.

Championships: 3Race Wins: 31Podiums: 112Poles: 33Years Active: 2001-2018Impact Rating: 8.2/10

added by IJRDani Pedrosa

Alex Crivillé

Crivillé became Spain's first 500cc champion in 1999 after years as Doohan's teammate. His 1999 title and multiple wins showed he could lead a factory team. He opened the door for the next generation of Spanish riders.

Championships: 1Race Wins: 20Podiums: 42Poles: 13Years Active: 1989-2002Impact Rating: 7.3/10

added by IJR

Nicky Hayden

Hayden captured the 2006 MotoGP title in a tight battle with Rossi, becoming the last American champion to date. His steady Honda performances and 2006 championship fight remain highlights. Later success in World Superbike showed his adaptability.

Championships: 1Race Wins: 15Podiums: 55Poles: 12Years Active: 2003-2016Impact Rating: 7.5/10

added by IJRNicky Hayden

Sete Gibernau

Gibernau challenged Rossi for multiple titles in the early 2000s with strong Honda performances and became a fan favorite. His 2003-2005 battles produced some of the decade's best racing. Near-misses with the crown defined his prime.

Championships: 0Race Wins: 9Podiums: 42Poles: 10Years Active: 1993-2009Impact Rating: 7/10

added by IJRSete Gibernau

Phil Read

Read won seven titles across 250cc and 350cc plus the 1973 500cc crown on a privateer Yamaha. His versatility and ability to win on lesser bikes set him apart. Multiple class success made him one of the 60s and 70s most accomplished riders.

Championships: 8Race Wins: 52Podiums: 75Poles: 35Years Active: 1961-1976Impact Rating: 7.8/10

added by IJRPhil Read

Barry Sheene▼ Falling

Sheene won two 500cc titles in 1976 and 1977 and became Britain's first global racing superstar through charisma and media presence. His recovery from horrific crashes and rivalry with Roberts defined an era. He brought mainstream attention to the sport.

Championships: 2Race Wins: 19Podiums: 35Poles: 18Years Active: 1971-1984Impact Rating: 8/10

added by IJRBarry Sheene

Randy Mamola▼ Falling

Mamola earned four 500cc runner-up finishes and 13 wins without ever taking the title, becoming one of the sport's most popular figures. His spectacular riding and 1980s duels with Roberts and Lawson thrilled fans. Near-misses defined a career of what-ifs.

Championships: 0Race Wins: 13Podiums: 52Poles: 14Years Active: 1979-1992Impact Rating: 7.6/10

added by IJRRandy Mamola