Deepak
Marc Márquez has etched his name even deeper into MotoGP history by becoming the first rider ever to reach 100 pole positions across all classes, a feat he accomplished at the 2025 Italian Grand Prix in Mugello. This landmark achievement not only cements his status as one of the sport’s greatest qualifiers but also showcases his enduring speed and adaptability across different eras, teams, and machinery.
The 100th Pole: Mugello 2025
Márquez’s centenary pole came in dramatic fashion at the iconic Mugello circuit, riding for the Ducati Lenovo Team. In a fiercely competitive qualifying session, Márquez set a blistering new all-time lap record of 1:44.169, narrowly edging out his teammate Francesco Bagnaia by just 0.059 seconds. His brother, Alex Márquez, completed a historic front row for the Márquez family, finishing only 0.083 seconds behind.
The session was a showcase of relentless pace and tactical brilliance. Márquez initially benefited from a slipstream provided by his brother Alex, but ultimately secured pole with a solo lap that pushed the limits of the Ducati and the circuit itself. Four riders, including Márquez, broke the previous lap record, underscoring the intensity of the battle for pole.
Breakdown of Márquez’s 100 Poles
- MotoGP: 72 poles
- Moto2: 14 poles
- 125cc World Championship: 14 poles
This distribution highlights Márquez’s dominance across every class he has competed in, from his early days in the 125cc category to his current reign in MotoGP.
What Makes Márquez the Greatest Qualifier?
Márquez’s qualifying prowess is built on a combination of raw speed, fearless riding, and an uncanny ability to extract the maximum from his bike in high-pressure moments. His 100th pole was particularly significant as it was achieved at Mugello, Ducati’s home circuit, and against the backdrop of intense competition from both teammates and rivals.
“I’m extremely pleased because this was a genuine pole position, accomplished without relying on slipstreams, just me pushing to discover my limits,” Márquez said after the session3.
His ability to adapt to new teams and machinery—most recently switching to Ducati and immediately delivering top results—further sets him apart from his contemporaries.
The Significance of the Century Mark
Reaching 100 poles is a milestone that speaks to both longevity and sustained excellence. Márquez’s record is unmatched in the history of motorcycle racing, and his achievement at Mugello is a testament to his resilience, especially considering the injuries and challenges he has faced in recent years.
The narrow margins separating the top qualifiers at Mugello—just 83 thousandths of a second between the top three—highlight the level of competition Márquez continues to overcome.
A Legacy Still in Motion
Márquez’s 100th pole is not just a personal triumph; it’s a moment that will be remembered as a defining chapter in MotoGP history. With the rest of the 2025 season still ahead, fans and rivals alike will be watching to see how far he can push the boundaries of what’s possible in qualifying—and whether his pole tally will continue to grow.
In the words of many in the paddock and beyond, Marc Márquez is, without a doubt, the greatest qualifier in the history of the sport.
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