Giacomo Agostini Criticizes MotoGP: ‘It Should Be About Speed, Not Consistency’
January 6, 2025 – Legendary Italian motorcycling icon Giacomo Agostini has voiced strong criticism regarding the current direction of MotoGP, emphasizing that the sport should focus more on speed rather than consistency. Agostini, a multiple-time world champion, expressed his concerns in an exclusive interview, where he questioned the evolving dynamics of the premier class of motorcycle racing.
The 15-time world champion, known for his dominant performances in the 1960s and 1970s, argued that the emphasis on consistency in recent years has diluted the essence of MotoGP. “When I raced, the thrill was all about pushing the limits and going as fast as possible,” Agostini said. “Now, it feels like the sport is more focused on maintaining a high level of consistency throughout the season, which is important, but it should never overshadow the pursuit of pure speed.”
Agostini’s comments come amid growing debate about the strategic approaches in MotoGP. In recent seasons, the sport has seen riders shift their focus toward minimizing mistakes and securing consistent finishes to challenge for titles, often prioritizing points over outright victories. According to Agostini, this shift has compromised the excitement and spectacle of racing, as riders seem less willing to take the risks needed to achieve the fastest lap times.
In contrast, Agostini’s era was defined by the daring and bold riding styles of champions who frequently pushed the limits of their machines and their own abilities. “Back in my day, every race was a chance to demonstrate the maximum potential of the bike and the rider,” he recalled. “We were not as concerned with accumulating points. We aimed to win races with the fastest times, and that is what made it so thrilling for both riders and fans.”
The Italian legend also took aim at the influence of technology in MotoGP, which has led to bikes that are increasingly more stable and easier to control. “Today, the motorcycles are much more sophisticated, which is a great thing in terms of safety, but it also makes it easier for riders to focus on consistency rather than seeking out raw speed,” Agostini remarked. He noted that modern machines have reduced the risk and unpredictability that once made MotoGP races so exciting to watch.
While Agostini acknowledged the importance of rider consistency in achieving championship success, he stressed that MotoGP should remain a spectacle of speed and skill. “Consistency is vital over a season, but it should never come at the expense of speed. It’s a racing championship, and racing is about going fast. If we lose that, we lose what makes the sport special,” he said. Agostini’s criticism has sparked mixed reactions from the MotoGP community, with some agreeing with his view that speed should take precedence, while others maintain that consistency and strategic management of a season are equally crucial to success.
Agostini’s comments have reignited discussions about the future of MotoGP, particularly regarding the balance between speed and strategy. As the sport continues to evolve, many wonder whether the emphasis on technological advancements and consistent race results is detracting from the excitement that once made MotoGP a thrilling, unpredictable contest of speed.
As the 2025 season approaches, it remains to be seen how Agostini’s views will influence the ongoing conversation about the direction of MotoGP. Fans and riders alike will be watching closely to see whether the sport will shift its focus back to the raw, unbridled pursuit of speed or whether consistency will continue to reign supreme.