Agostini Speaks Out on Comparisons with Valentino Rossi and Jannik Sinner

On the sidelines of his museum’s opening, Giacomo Agostini spoke to *La Gazzetta dello Sport*: “It’s a great source of satisfaction. I’m proud of these 380 memorabilia items, including motorcycles, trophies, and helmets. My whole life is right here, even before my career began.”

There was a lot of discussion about current issues: “I’d like the rider to matter more, to take center stage. There’s too much electronics, and besides, a speed race where riders are forced to conserve their tires is nonsense. People want to see champions capable of doing things others can’t. Like Hailwood, Valentino, and I used to do—or like Maradona, or like Sinner does. So we need to reduce the electronics and cut back on power. We don’t need all that horsepower; 150 is enough to put on a show. Power is just one more danger: it destroys the tires, it destroys the riders.”

When asked who, today, is capable of making a difference like the great champions of the past, he has no doubts: “There’s Marquez, there’s Bezzecchi, there’s Martin. And then there’s Acosta: in my opinion, Acosta will become another Marquez. He’s already a bit like that in terms of aggressiveness, the way he rides, and the way he carries himself. He’s ruthless in the race.”

Marc Marquez, meanwhile, has reached 100 wins. A milestone that brings him closer to the record of 123 wins held by Agostini himself: “If he manages it, it’ll mean he’s earned it. Everyone cares about their own things; if the record stays mine, I’ll be happier, but if he beats me, that’s fine—the important thing is that I’m still here to celebrate with him.”