Giacomo Agostini has won the World Championship 15 times, amassing 8 World Titles in the Premiere Class. Agostini won seven Titles in the Premiere class from 1966 to 1972, and his most iconic final title in 1975. The remaining seven titles came in the 350cc class, bringing the total to 15 World Titles. The Italian’s record, which was set in the 1970s, still stands unbroken. The Legend has now commented on the fortunes of a rider who seems to be the most likely challenger to his records. Agostini has commented on Marc Marquez’s farewell to Honda.

Agostini seemed surprised about the news; He mentioned how Honda is still the name in Motorcycle racing and pointed toward the company’s current dominance in Formula 1. He said [as reported by gpone.com] “Marc is the only rider in the world who has decided to leave Honda.” – Then, he explained – ”I thought he would stay, with the guarantees of the largest manufacturer in motorcycle racing, with whose engines they are still winning in F1.

” The Icon further questioned the move and pointed out how Marquez would be earning a lot less at Gresini Ducati than at the factory Honda team. He added, “And then there is the question of salary: who pays? As a result, you give up 12 and a half million euros or more. There is something here that escapes all of us, something that doesn’t add up to me!”

It is quite ironic how surprised Agostini is at Marc Marquez’s switch as he himself made the famous move from his beloved MV Agusta to the “new-age” two-stroke Yamaha in 1973. The Italian legend has experienced tides shifting in the sport due to technological advances. Agostini was present when the European manufacturers (primarily MV) had to concede to the Japanese Two-stroke engines. It will be interesting to see if Marc can fare well on the Ducati and if he can do it quickly.

Do not miss: Franco Morbidelli explains what makes Ducati ‘the best’

How fast can Marc Marquez adapt to the Ducati?

Marc Marquez has raced with only one manufacturer in the premiere class – Honda. The iconic pair have amassed a mammoth of 6 Premiere class titles, 59 victories, 101 podiums, and 64 poles in their 11 years together. The Spectacular Spaniard’s move to Ducati has invited a lot of speculation about the 2024 season.

Many think that Marquez’ new term at Ducati won’t be an instant hit; they suggest that even Marquez will take time to adapt to the Desmosedici. The fact that he has never raced with any other bike than his Honda in 11 years might lead people to speculate a tough 2024 season for the Spaniard. But if you remember, Marc Marquez is the only rider to claim his first title in his Rookie season in the Premiere class.

The 20-year-old Marquez jumped from his Moto2 bike to the MotoGP missile and took his first Grand Prix victory in his second GP ever. It’s hard to believe the rider will suffer while moving from a V4-engined Honda to another V4-engined Ducati.

There have been very few riders in history to adapt to a bike swap quickly. The ‘King of Moto GP’, Marquez’s childhood hero and later a fierce rival, Valentino Rossi, is one. It will be beautiful to finally compare Marquez, amongst the best in history, in his skills of adapting to a new machine.

In case you missed it:

• “Japanese engineering is dead, Honda dugs its own grave”- Fans react to Marc Marquez and Honda’s early contract termination
• WATCH: When a MotoGP rider narrowly escaped a chaotic collision with a Kangaroo at the Australian GP

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