Giacomo Agostini on the 2025 MotoGP Championship

He has been world champion 15 times—more than anyone else—even Valentino Rossi. No racer has matched his title count. Even today, Giacomo Agostini is widely considered the greatest of all time.

His stellar career is chronicled in Ago, a film directed by Imola-born Giangiacomo de Stefano and produced by Sonne Film. Agostini contributed fully to the creation of this documentary, and in the final scene, we see him at 82, still riding a motorcycle. The film captures a long and thrilling journey, from the circuits of Romagna to the intense heat of Daytona, through the perilous Tourist Trophy races, and his many GP victories. Along the way, Ago became a cover star, acted in photo novels, and dominated the headlines, often photographed in the pages of famous magazines alongside beautiful women. In short, a legend.

We sat down with the legend to talk about Ago and the 2025 MotoGP season.

What has motorcycling meant to you?

“My life. Even today, I always use a bike when I need to go somewhere. I have more than 10 motorcycles in my garage, mostly Yamahas and MV Agustas. I pick the one depending on where I need to go. In the city, though, I prefer using a scooter.”

Are you happy with the movie, Ago?

“Yes, and the feedback from the viewers has been very enthusiastic. I’m glad that the younger generation, who mostly know me by name, can now see my story, my life, the adventures I had, and what racing was like back then.”

Is there a message you want to send to the young generation?

“Follow your passion, your talent. You are born with it but then it requires hard work and determination.”

Looking at the 2025 MotoGP Championship, did you expect such a strong start to the season with a Marc-Ducati monopoly?

“We all know Marc is incredibly strong, but I didn’t expect him to win every race as he did in the first races. His determination is incredible: He wants to prove to himself that he can win again after all the suffering and injuries he has endured. One day, he told me, ‘If I have to race to finish sixth or seventh in the championship, I will retire. I race to win.’ All riders want to win, but Marc has the determination and talent to achieve it when others struggle.”

If he hadn’t crashed, he would’ve won the GP of the Americas. Is Marc’s biggest rival himself?

“Had he not made the mistake of putting his tire on the curb, which was more slippery due to the mixed conditions, his victory would have been assured. He admitted it was his mistake. Right now, he’s making a huge difference, but I don’t think he can win every race. There’s Bagnaia, who shouldn’t be underestimated, he is a three-time world champion, and then there is Martín. He will be a threat too when he returns fit. I expect an exciting battle ahead. The championship has just started.”

What is Marc’s greatest strength?

“He is a complete rider: talented, very smart, strategic, and daring. His hunger to win is unmatched. Marc is not afraid of crashing; he always pushes to the limit. He’s done this even when the bike wasn’t supporting him, compensating with sheer will. He gives everything to win.”

Does Marc remind you of any great champions from the past?

“Every champion has something unique—whether it’s their riding style, personality, or approach—but they all share common traits. It’s hard to describe, but it’s something you’re born with: natural talent, the hunger to win, and determination.”

How do you view Pecco?

“Pecco remains Pecco. He’s not weak, but Marc has simply been stronger in these first few races. On Sunday in Austin, Pecco had a great race and was very close. I’m sure that when the European races come and he gets a better feel for the bike, he’ll be even more competitive. Marc will continue to be Marc, but I expect Pecco to fight harder. I also expect Martín to come back stronger, as he will want to prove that he deserved his title last year.”

Would you have bet on Álex Márquez as the championship leader after three races?

“Álex has surprised everyone by consistently fighting for second place, battling against a world champion like Bagnaia. He’s improving, and his results show his growth.”

How is it racing alongside your brother? Can it be beneficial?

“Each rider does their own race, and both Álex and Marc want to win. However, there is a natural respect between brothers. When you need to pass, you’re not as ruthless as you might be with another rider. You’re more careful because if you touch him, you could both crash. I know this from personal experience; I raced with my brother in the 350cc class, both on Yamahas. I remember a time when he was ahead of me. It was tough to pass him, and I had to be daring. I also remember being worried about how our mom would react if we crashed while I tried to pass him.”

Did you see yourself more in Marc Márquez or Valentino Rossi?

“I’d say a little of both. Marc is much more aggressive, he takes more risks and wants to win at all costs. When he tries to pass, he dares a lot—'either it works or it doesn’t,’ as we say in Italian. Vale, on the other hand, was more careful about crashing. When they raced against each other, you have to consider that Marc was 14 years younger, so he had the mindset of a young rider, pushing through turns with the throttle open. When you’re older, like Vale was, you tend to be more experienced and thoughtful.”

Fifteen titles—your record still seems unbeatable.

“Marc is very close to beating Valentino—he has eight titles, Vale has nine. But reaching my record will be more difficult, as I was competing in two categories on the same day. Records are meant to be broken, though, so if someone beats mine one day, I won’t be happy, but that’s racing.”

Racing goes in cycles.

“Italy has always had a strong presence in racing, and Spain is now very well represented with an excellent training system for new generations. In the past, there was more variety, with big names from the UK, Germany, and the United States—riders like Kenny Roberts, Kevin Schwantz, and Wayne Rainey, who put on great shows.”

Finally, do you think Marc will win the world championship this year?

“The championship is still long. Right now, Marc and Pecco are the main contenders. I wouldn’t rule out Jorge, either, if he comes back strong, even though he’s lost some important points by missing the first few races.”