Marc Marquez is set to contest the Dutch MotoGP this weekend in Assen with the chance to match Giacomo Agostini’s record of 68 premier-class victories. A win at Assen would place the eight-time world champion joint second on the all-time list for MotoGP wins, trailing only Valentino Rossi’s 89 successes.
Marquez Arrives in Assen Following Strong Performance at Mugello
Marquez’s confidence is high after an impressive weekend at Mugello, where he ended a five-year winless streak at the circuit by securing pole position, taking the Sprint race, and winning the main MotoGP event. This strong showing marks a return to form for the rider and has set the stage for a potential milestone at Assen.
From Mugello straight to Assen for the first back-to-back of the season,
said Marquez.
We get there after a great win in front of the Ducatisti and the Italian crowd. It wasn’t granted, because I hadn’t won at Mugello for many years.
—Marc Marquez
Challenges and Opportunities Await at Assen Circuit
Assen has often proved challenging for Marquez, who has only two previous MotoGP victories on this track, achieved in 2014 and 2018. Last year marked his debut with Gresini Ducati at Assen, where he experienced difficulties, crashing during the Sprint race and finishing tenth in the main event after a penalty dropped him from fourth.
Also the Assen track, on paper, isn’t one of the ones that best enhance my riding style, but here the Ducati has been very strong in recent editions,
Marquez noted.
Let’s get back to work. I’m in great shape and it’s an aspect that we have to fully exploit.
—Marc Marquez
Ducati’s Recent Dominance at the Dutch Round
Ducati has a strong recent pedigree at Assen, having won the last three editions of the Dutch GP through Marquez’s teammate Francesco Bagnaia. This consistency adds to Marquez’s motivation to capitalize on the Ducati’s strength and push for victory.
Should Marquez claim the win Sunday, it would be his first time sweeping three consecutive Grand Prix events since 2019, the year he last secured the MotoGP championship. Regardless of the weekend’s outcome, Marquez’s 40-point lead over his younger brother Alex ensures he will maintain his position atop the world championship standings even without scoring points at Assen.
Historic Ranking in Premier-Class Wins
The competition to enter MotoGP’s elite club of most wins remains fierce. The current top five riders with most 500cc/MotoGP victories stand as follows:
1. Valentino Rossi – 89 wins
2. Giacomo Agostini – 68 wins
3. Marc Marquez – 67 wins
4. Mick Doohan – 54 wins
5. Jorge Lorenzo – 47 wins
Marquez’s pursuit to equal Agostini’s record brings additional excitement to this weekend’s race, highlighting both the historical significance and the competitive nature of the ongoing season.
