Is he the best the sport has ever seen?

Valentino Rossi claimed his 50th GP win in style, taking the chequered flag a full ten seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Alex Barros.

In doing so, he became only the sixth rider ever to notch up a half-century of GP wins.

He adds the achievement to his World Championship title that he claimed last month.

And he is well within grasp of the records for most race wins and most points won in a season, currently held by Michael Doohan.

Are there any limits to what Rossi can acheive?

This debate is now closed

Rossi is flattered not so much by a lack of competition, but a lack of rivals on competitive bikes. I still believe he is one of the best riders ever, but he is made to look better than he really is. If the World Supersport Series was the number one event, he would win it but he would have to work for his money!
James Sykes, England

Rossi is on the best bike and it shows, next year he'll still win the title, but least it will be more interesting to watch.
Ben Innes, UK

Rossi is undeniably a greater talent than Wayne Rainey or Kevin Schwantz ever were. And the competition from the likes of riders like Barros is still there.

Is he better than Doohan? In my opinion, yes. Mick was always on a bike superior to the rest of the field when he won his world championships. Rossi has shown he can adapt his riding style to suit any machine - the switch to four strokes hasn't altered results too much.

Winning the 125's and 250's as he has just underlines his talent. It's scary that he's only 23 though!
Nik, UK

Rossi is great, but Biaggi is quicker and more naturally talented. Just wait for next year when Max is on a Honda then the myth of Rossi will falter.

Rossi has the better temperament but don't forget about Max the max that stepped onto a 500cc GP machine and beat Doohan first time out. On a lower spec bike to boot!

Aussie Mick retired at the right time, Rossi And Biaggi are probably amongst the finest riders ever seen.
Steve Lee, UK

Rossi's domination has made MotoGP very boring, just like Schumacher has done for F1. I hope the arrival of the two real champions from SuperBikes will make MotoGP just as exciting as Super Bikes was in 2002.
Elvis, Namibia

He's on the way alright, but he's still not the greatest or even a legend - at least not yet. The former honour goes to Giacomo Agostini followed by Mike Hailwood or Mick Doohan (perhaps the latter).

As someone mentioned, Rossi is not quite warding off great competition as Doohan had to do against Rainey, Schwantz and co. But that he's tremendously exciting - there is no doubt.
Roshan Fernando, Sri Lanka

Rossi is a class act, an inspiration for any young man who has an interest to join MotoGP. On weekends when MotoGP is on, I glue myself to the television just to watch the magician. I do wish him all the best in his future endeavours, and may he continues to thrill fans everywhere he rides. HATS OFF TO ROSSI.
Collins Collymore, Barbados

If he continues apace then he will be mentioned in the same breath as the Doohans, Raineys etc. He has to achieve over a career for this to happen. At the moment it is fair to say he is the best currently riding in MotoGP, by a long way.
Alan, UK

While he is undoubtedly one of the greats, I still think he has to do a bit more to rank among the absolute top echelon like, Roberts, Lawson, Rainey, Doohan and Freddie Spencer.

It's a shame that his time has come when the powers-that-be have made such a mess of the sport with the new regulations.
Jason Tew, England

Great talent and a great character. I'm looking forward to next season already, it could be a classic with the new riders coming across from Superbikes bringing their four stroke knowledge and hopefully more of the current riders on the bigger bikes.

Rossi's also supposed to be testing an F1 car with the BAR team, could he be the next John Surtees?
Steve, England

There is no doubt at all in my mind that Valentino Rossi is a new sporting phenomenon and such a great personality too. We woke up early to watch him race in Australia, last Sunday morning for his 50th win.

His sense of humour will attract more following as he grows and matures into his chosen sport. He is worth every penny on the pay-per-view channel. His 'never say die' spirit is refreshing.
Gilton Chiwaula, Malawi

Rossi's performances over the last two years have been just sensational. Isn't it about time he was in the running for the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year??
David Owen, England

I note Thomas Bateman's comment that Formula One could learn a lot from Rossi. I read a couple of weeks ago that Rossi was testing with a Formula One team with some possibility of picking up a drive.

As much as I'd hate to see Rossi leave two wheels, it'd be fantastic to see this outstanding racer extend his career into F1. But I'd like to think he would return to bikes after winning the F1 title (just to show he could). The world loves a true champion.
Aiden, UK

Rossi is the undisputed king this year and should be congratulated - however, a real test for him will be next year with so much other talent around on the same machinery - I still expect him to be at the top!

I note Mike Dergos comments on the coming of Nicky Hayden - we shall see how well he does. MotoGP is not AMA Superbikes and he has a lot to learn! In saying that, I do hope he surprises us all.
Nick S, UK

Rossi is the best in MotoGP at present. It will be superb to see him battling with Bayliss and Edwards next season (if Edwards can get the Aprilla up to speed). Rossi has a supreme talent and only being 23 will get better and better.
Paula Sheridan, UK

It's funny to read some of the comments from our American colleagues. Just remember, Rossi is here and now. He is both entertaining and very talented for someone so young. Just put that into perspective when you read about other young stars in sports who keep appearing in courts all over the country.

I don't like to compare Doohan with him, I don't remember seeing Mick winning 125/250 titles, although he is definitely a master of the 500's. Well done Valentino, and one question, what started the rivalry between you and Max Biaggi?
Big Nose, England

What a rider! Each time he's taken on a different class of motorcycling it has taken him one year to learn the machine and a second year to take the World Championship.

In addition, he's a character with a sense of fun - the diametric opposite of his rather dour mentor Mick Doohan. Things I can't wait for? His appearance in the British round of the World Rally Championship,

Next year sees Marco Melandri, Colin Edwards and Troy Bayliss joining the MotoGP class. Fantastic!
Daniel, London (UK)

There can be no doubt about the fact that Rossi is the best natural talent the motorcycling world has ever seen, but talk of him being the greatest rider the sport has seen will have to be put on hold.

The question is, how long will he remain in the sport? I believe it will not be long before he has two more wheels on his racing equipment.
Ian A Bedford, UK/Taiwan

Rossi is just amazing! 11 wins so far this season - 50 in total - that is a great achievement for anyone, but especially for Vale as he's only 23! I think he's the best the sport has ever seen.

Vale's nearly beaten the record set by Michael Doohan for the most wins and points gained in a season - he's a legend, pure and simple. With talent like his, he'll be around for a long time.

Valentino is an asset to motorbike racing, his love for winning and his sense of humour along with his riding style make him irresistible to watch. Vale's definitely up there with the all time greats of motorbike racing.
Charlie, UK

Rossi is a great rider without a doubt, but the question must always be answered, how great are his rivals? Remember Rainey, Shwants, and Doohan battling it out, not to mention all the other hanger-ons with potential.

Is Rossi going to get this same response? If not, I know where my focus will be....on the super bikes.
Big Al, USA

I am not sure that this is the series that Nicky Hayden is entering, but if it is Rossi better enjoy his success now. A new King is coming.
Mike Dergo, United States

Mick Doohan and a few others have proved themselves over time, as Rossi must do now also. The MotoGP format this year has not been great, with so many bikes much weaker because of the format.

Rossi, like Doohan, is in a different class, so good they make the people around them look bad. Next year will be the test for Rossi, with the Superbike Champions coming across, and the Ducati coming into the scene, with many stronger riders also getting a chance at the four cylinder machines.

Rossi has yet to prove himself to be one of the greats, thee more world titles in a row, and he will match Doohan, then we can start talking about greats.
Jimmy Simms, Australia

I have followed Rossi's progress since he was 16. He truly is a great personality. Is he the best the sport has ever seen? I think he's definately on a par with Doohan but he's still improving; I believe he will be the best the sport has ever seen. A true character the sport was crying out for ...
Riggi Simmons, England

This is the most dominating performance by a GP driver I have ever seen. Being so young, it will be a while before he loses his hunger for winning. And this Honda looks a bit too powerful for the rest.

Barros and Biaggi are truly great performers but unfortunate to be racing against Rossi. I hope they would catch up when they get a competent four-stroke bike.
AN, UK

Not only is he the best the sport has ever seen, but he will also go down in history as one of the greatest sportsmen ever.

He is the Schumacher or Beckham of MotoGP, a great lad who can only get better and better as his experience and talent grows to another level! He is finally giving MotoGP the recognition it deserves!
David L, Essex, England

Valentino has an incredible natural talent for riding a motorcycle fast, but breaking records are not the only factor in Rossi's success. What makes him truly great is his love for racing, his character and the fact that he is still only 23 years old.

I am 22 and Rossi is an inspiration to me, and to bikers twice and three times my age. Rossi is a true ambassador not just for MotoGP, but for RACING - Formula One could learn a lot from him...
Thomas Bateman, United Kingdom