In the fast-paced world of MotoGP, legends are forged not only through victories but also through consistency, determination, and the ability to bounce back from adversity. This weekend, Marc Márquez added another historic milestone to his already glittering career: he is now second in the all-time MotoGP podium count, trailing only the iconic Valentino Rossi.
The Spaniard’s latest podium finish — a hard-fought second place at the French Grand Prix in Le Mans — brought his total premier-class podiums to 140, overtaking Jorge Lorenzo’s tally of 114 and Dani Pedrosa’s 112 long ago. However, the milestone of surpassing every rider except Rossi is symbolic not just for the record books, but for what it says about Márquez’s enduring talent and unyielding will.
Now, only Rossi’s staggering 199 MotoGP podiums stand between Márquez and the summit. And though Márquez has etched his name just beneath that of the man who redefined modern motorcycle racing, the path to the top is far from guaranteed.
A Career of Triumphs and Trials
When Marc Márquez burst onto the MotoGP scene in 2013, it was clear a new era had begun. At just 20 years old, he became the youngest-ever premier-class world champion, demonstrating a level of daring and control that left fans and fellow competitors in awe. He followed that with three consecutive world titles from 2013 to 2016, and another streak from 2017 to 2019, making it six titles in seven years.
But like every hero’s journey, Márquez’s tale hasn’t been free of trials. A near-career-ending crash at Jerez in 2020 led to a humerus fracture and a long period of rehabilitation, surgeries, and inconsistent performance. Many wondered if the Márquez of old would ever return.
Now in 2025, while he may not yet have returned to his absolute peak, Márquez has shown flashes of brilliance that evoke his dominant past. Riding now for Gresini Racing aboard a Ducati after his shock departure from Repsol Honda in 2024, Márquez has rediscovered both form and confidence. With this season shaping up as one of the most competitive in recent memory, his podium tally — now at 140 — is proof of a resurgence many thought impossible.
The Significance of the Podium Record
In motorsports, wins may make the headlines, but podiums tell the story of greatness. Finishing in the top three consistently across different tracks, weather conditions, and against changing competition is a testament to a rider’s adaptability and resilience.
Valentino Rossi’s record of 199 MotoGP podiums remains a towering achievement. It wasn’t just longevity that got Rossi there — though 21 seasons in the premier class is remarkable — but an incredible level of competitiveness that saw him remain at the top for nearly two decades. His podium finishes spanned four different manufacturers: Honda, Yamaha, and Ducati — and included battles with generations of riders from Max Biaggi and Sete Gibernau to Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo, and yes, Marc Márquez.
Márquez’s 140 podiums have come in far less time — a demonstration of his dominance during the 2010s. But catching Rossi means not just maintaining performance, but sustaining it through the mid-30s and beyond, something few riders manage.
The Math of the Chase
Let’s break it down: Marc Márquez currently stands at 140 premier-class podiums. That puts him 59 short of Rossi’s 199. Assuming an average of 15 podiums a season — a tall order even for Márquez — he would need a minimum of four more near-perfect seasons to match Rossi.
And that’s under ideal conditions. Injuries, team performance, and fierce competition from younger riders like Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martín, Pedro Acosta, and Fabio Quartararo mean podiums aren’t just given; they’re earned with every corner and every lap.
Furthermore, Marc is now 32 years old. While riders like Rossi proved age can be just a number, the physical demands of MotoGP take a toll. Márquez’s aggressive riding style, which brought him glory, also makes him more susceptible to injuries. Every season going forward will be a balancing act between pushing for greatness and preserving longevity.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Whether or not Márquez catches Rossi’s podium record, his place among the MotoGP elite is beyond question. His style — a mix of flair, risk, and sheer precision — has redefined how the sport is ridden. Young riders have modeled their techniques on his elbow-down cornering and late-braking heroics.
But perhaps more importantly, Márquez has brought drama and excitement to the sport in a way few have. His 2015 title battle — and eventual fallout — with Valentino Rossi remains one of MotoGP’s most controversial and talked-about seasons. Their rivalry, though contentious, pushed each man to greater heights and fueled global interest in the sport.
Now, Márquez is entering the final chapters of his racing career with one eye on history and the other on the track ahead. There’s a calm intensity about him — a man who knows what he’s achieved but believes there’s still more to write.
The Fans Weigh In
Reactions from the MotoGP community have been as impassioned as ever. Social media erupted in celebration and speculation following Márquez’s latest podium.
“Unreal comeback by Marc. 140 podiums after what he went through? Legend,” tweeted former MotoGP rider and now commentator Colin Edwards.
Long-time fan accounts posted side-by-side stats comparing Márquez and Rossi, reigniting the age-old “GOAT” debate. While many still place Rossi’s charisma and cross-generational appeal on a pedestal, others argue that Márquez’s peak dominance — particularly from 2013 to 2019 — was unrivaled.
MotoGP itself honored the moment with a special graphic showcasing Márquez’s journey to 140, noting key milestones along the way, including his double wins at Austin, Sachsenring, and Aragon — circuits where he was once considered unbeatable.
The Road Ahead
With more than half the season left in 2025 and Marc Márquez looking more comfortable on the Ducati than ever, more podiums this year seem almost inevitable. But whether he can sustain this form long enough to catch Rossi’s 199 remains to be seen.
The next stop on the calendar is Mugello — a track Rossi once ruled and where Márquez has had mixed success. A win there would be both symbolic and strategic, showing that even in his 30s and on a satellite team, Márquez is still a force to be reckoned with.
Regardless of whether he reaches 199 or not, Marc Márquez’s name will forever be etched among the greatest to ever straddle a MotoGP bike. Records may fall, but the spirit, tenacity, and thrill he brings to racing are what truly define his legacy.
As the sun sets on one era and rises on another, fans across the globe are left with the privilege of witnessing history unfold — one podium at a time.
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