MotoGP legend Giacomo Agostini has praised the "desire to win" displayed by freshly-minted world champion Marc Marquez.
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In an interview with AFP ahead of this weekend's race in Portugal Agostini had warm praise for Marquez, who wrapped up his seventh MotoGP crown in Japan in September with five rounds to go.
"I admire him because he evokes emotions," said the 83-year-old Italian, whose record of eight premier class crowns has stood for half a century.
Agostini, who retired in 1977 with 15 titles across all categories, has been impressed with how Marquez has responded after several seasons in the doldrums with injuries and an under-performing Honda.
The Spaniard's fortunes picked up dramatically when he moved to Ducati's Gresini satellite team in 2024, and he has swept away his rivals this term since graduating to Ducati's factory bike for his first championship since 2019.
"He never thought it was over, and it's very important to have the strength to continue and the desire to win," Agostini said.
Asked if he was surprised to still hold the premier class record of eight titles 50 years on he replied: "I'm happy, but well, records are made to be broken after all.
"Valentino (Rossi) came close (he won seven) but didn't make it. Marquez is still young (32), maybe he'll achieve it, or maybe not."
After sealing title No 7 Marquez required shoulder surgery following a crash in Indonesia, ruling him out of the rest of the season.
He has a long history of injuries, including breaking his right arm at the start of the 2020 season, an injury that almost forced him to retire.
"After an accident, it's difficult (to come back), but he worked hard, he never thought it was over, and it's very important to have the strength to continue and the desire to win," Agostini told AFP.
"He has the drive, (the thirst) for victories; he wants to win like all great riders.
"I admire him because he evokes emotions on the track. Everyone loves this kind of person who does things that many don't, no matter the sport."
Agostini reflected on Marquez's momentous move in leaving Honda after a 10-year spell that harvested six world crowns to join the Ducati stable.
"He had the strength to leave Honda, which is the biggest brand in the world.
"It's not easy to leave a brand like Honda to go to Ducati. But he told himself, 'I want to win' – and to win, you need a bike that gives you the possibility.
"He broke a millionaire contract to join a private team (Gresini), it's admirable."