In motoGP the rider counts for much more than the driver in F1, many times more. But still Valentino is one of those naturals that make history and are born every couple of decades only, better at MotoGP than Schumacher at F1.
That said, there was also a bit of a dry spell in MotoGP during Valentino's time in terms of consistent top level figures and competition IMO, its not like the time of Doohan, Rayney, Schwantz, Criville, Mamola, etc.of the 500cc two-stroke bikes of the 90's, my favorite times of GP motorcycling racing... dominating those 500cc 2-stroke kicking beasts was all about the driver, not like today with electronic brake clutches, linear 4-stroke power delivery, engine mapping, carbon brakes, etc, etc.
Valentino came in when that generation of outstanding figures retired and also during the transition of 500cc to MotoGP bikes which didn't help competition either as it made the bike a more important factor than before. And he would have won the title in 2006 and 2007 if he would of had a competitive bike and tires in those seasons too. But if he were racing at the top class during the 90's he wouldn't have won all those titles.
So is Roossi that good or the competition too average? both, Rossi is that good and more, one of the al time greatest, and the competition in this decade is not the best either.
And now after Rossi there is in the new gen a young figure that is standing out just as he did when he started and will take over MotoGP after Rossi retires and that is Jorge Lorenzo, so history wil repeat itself I'm afraid.
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