Lecuona explains why Rossi and Marquez are ‘on another level’ in MotoGP

Former MotoGP and current WSBK Ducati rider Iker Lecuona has shared his insight on what makes greats like Rossi and Marquez so special.

Lecuona, who currently competes in WSBK, was a feature of the MotoGP grid from 2019 - 2023 where he raced for KTM and briefly for Honda as a wildcard.

During his time in MotoGP, Lecuona says that he was startled by the difference between the top class riders and himself, who considers to be more ordinary.

According to Spanish outlet MotoSan, Lecuona took the opportunity to compare the two greats of MotoGP:

“Valentino was a very refined guy. I braked harder than him, but it’s true that the KTM also braked harder. In the end, the bike also has its own DNA. Valentino is all about finesse. The way he could pick up the bike… I’ve always said it, he’s a guy who has gone through so many eras that he’s known how to evolve. Valentino’s style, you see it and it’s changed. He’s like 10 riders in one because he’s been evolving.” He said.

“I have to say I didn’t watch Marc very much. Because it’s true that he takes corners very differently from everyone else,” Lecuona said. “He has something extra, a very peculiar riding style that works for him because it’s his own, it’s unique, and it’s difficult to follow or understand how he’s able to do that. His entry into a corner, a ‘I can do it and I’m going to do it’ attitude, he doesn’t care about anything, how the bike moves, what he does, it doesn’t matter to him. I looked at the telemetry once or twice at most and I said, ‘it’s not worth it.’ And I started looking at other riders’ telemetry because it didn’t make sense, it was incredible.”