Former MotoGP race winner Andrea Iannone believes Marc Marquez does not possess the same “magic” as legends like Valentino Rossi, despite acknowledging that no one can question Marquez’s talent and speed.
Iannone, who competed in MotoGP from 2013 to 2019, shared the track with Marquez during their intense rivalry in Moto2. Speaking to GPOne, the Italian said Marquez is undeniably fast and gifted, but lacks the charisma and aura that defined riders such as Kevin Schwantz, Marco Lucchinelli, and especially Rossi.
According to Iannone, those riders brought something extra beyond pure riding ability, a mix of attitude, personality, and presence that made them special. In his view, Marquez does not evoke the same feeling as Rossi did during his prime.
Iannone also revisited the controversial end to the 2015 MotoGP season, when tensions between Rossi and Marquez escalated. He felt the incidents from that period damaged Marquez’s reputation and were not good for the sport. While critical, Iannone still recognised Marquez as a great champion who has overcome serious injuries and worked hard to return to the top.
After serving a four-year doping ban that ended in 2023, Iannone returned to racing with Ducati machinery in World Superbikes in 2024, where he claimed a race win. Although he could not repeat that success last season, he still managed three podium finishes.
Looking ahead, Iannone is set to compete in the 2026 World Superbike season with the Cainam Racing Team, once again riding a Ducati.
