Marquez Calls for Closure on Rossi Feud, Emphasizes Respect Among Riders

Valencia, Spain – Marc Marquez, the eight-time Grand Prix World Champion, has publicly stated his desire to move beyond the decade-long rivalry with MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, advocating for mutual respect among competitors in the high-stakes world of motorcycle racing. The statement comes nearly ten years after their controversial clash at the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix, an incident that continues to fuel debate and division among fans.

Marquez, now piloting a Ducati for the Gresini Racing team after a celebrated tenure with Repsol Honda, addressed the issue following the MotoGP gala in Valencia. The event, intended to celebrate Marquez’s seventh premier class title (achieved during his time with Honda), was marred by audible boos directed at Rossi when the Italian rider appeared on screen. This prompted Marquez to use the occasion as a platform to call for an end to the animosity.

“One of the things I’ve learned throughout my sporting career is to have respect for my rivals,” Marquez stated in an interview with the Spanish publication El Periodico. "On track, everyone tries to give their maximum, and all the situations or accidents you may cause, or that others cause, are always involuntary, because we’re all riding at the limit.”

The rivalry between Marquez and Rossi reached its zenith at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on October 25, 2015. Rossi, then vying for his tenth world title, accused Marquez of deliberately hindering his progress to favor fellow Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo, who was also in contention for the championship. During the race, Rossi and Marquez engaged in a series of overtaking maneuvers, culminating in an incident where Rossi appeared to kick Marquez, causing him to crash out of the race.

Related News :

The incident was immediately investigated by race officials, and Rossi was penalized with three penalty points, forcing him to start from the back of the grid at the final race of the season in Valencia. Despite a valiant effort, Rossi finished fourth in Valencia, ceding the championship to Lorenzo by five points. Rossi has consistently maintained that Marquez intentionally sabotaged his title aspirations, a claim Marquez has vehemently denied.

The Sepang clash remains one of the most controversial moments in MotoGP history, dividing fans and overshadowing the achievements of both riders. Rossi, who retired from MotoGP at the end of the 2021 season, enjoyed a career spanning over two decades, securing nine world championships (seven in the premier class), 115 race wins, and 235 podium finishes. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time, known for his charismatic personality, innovative riding style, and passionate fanbase.

Marquez, on the other hand, has established himself as a dominant force in MotoGP since his debut in 2013. He secured six premier class titles in his first seven seasons, showcasing exceptional talent, aggressive riding, and a relentless pursuit of victory. However, his career has been punctuated by injuries, most notably a severe arm injury sustained in the 2020 Spanish Grand Prix, which sidelined him for a significant portion of the season and impacted his performance in subsequent years.

Prior to the official statement, tensions seemed to be simmering below the surface, with subtle signs of continued friction. As recently as the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg, the two riders reportedly crossed paths in the pit lane without acknowledging each other, suggesting that the animosity lingered.

Marquez’s recent comments suggest a shift in perspective, driven in part by maturity and a greater understanding of the risks inherent in motorcycle racing. “Fans enjoy this spectacle, but it comes with risks,” Marquez explained. “Many times, a rider, pumped with adrenaline, makes a mistake, gets penalized for it, and that’s it – that’s where it should end. One of the things I’ve learned is that it’s hard to live with resentment; it’s not possible."

This conciliatory tone extends beyond the Rossi rivalry. Following a recent crash with Marco Bezzecchi during the Indonesian Grand Prix, an incident that resulted in a collarbone fracture for Marquez and forced him to miss the final five races of the season, Marquez publicly defended Bezzecchi, a close friend and protégé of Rossi. Despite the injury, which cast doubt on his fitness for pre-season testing, Marquez emphasized the importance of respecting fellow riders.

"Traditionally, motorcycle racing fans have always supported their rider and respected the others, because they risk their lives," Marquez stated. He also acknowledged that his perspective has evolved with age, noting, "You don’t see things the same way at 20 as you do at 32."

In the aftermath of the incident with Bezzecchi, Marquez urged his fans to refrain from harassing the Italian rider on social media. "Not the best way to celebrate the championship, but this is racing," he wrote on social media. "Today we’ll fly to Madrid and the doctors will evaluate everything. Please, no hard feelings towards Marco, nobody does it on purpose. Thanks for all your support."

Marquez’s move to Ducati for the 2024 season marks a significant chapter in his career. After eleven seasons with Repsol Honda, a partnership that yielded six world championships, 59 race wins, and 101 podiums, Marquez is seeking a fresh start with the Italian manufacturer. The transition comes after a challenging period with Honda, marked by performance struggles and persistent injuries.

Ducati, the reigning MotoGP world champion, is widely considered to have the most competitive bike on the grid. The move to Gresini Racing, a satellite Ducati team, provides Marquez with the opportunity to ride a competitive machine without the pressure of being a factory rider. His teammate will be his younger brother, Alex Marquez, adding another layer of intrigue to the 2024 season.

Marquez’s call for closure on the Rossi rivalry and his emphasis on respect among riders comes at a time when MotoGP is undergoing a period of transition. With Rossi’s retirement and the emergence of new talents like Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, and Bezzecchi, the sport is entering a new era. Marquez’s influence, both on and off the track, remains significant, and his efforts to promote sportsmanship and respect could help shape the future of MotoGP.

It remains to be seen whether Rossi will publicly respond to Marquez’s comments. The two riders have maintained a strained relationship since the Sepang incident, with limited interaction and no public reconciliation. However, Marquez’s willingness to move forward and his emphasis on mutual respect could pave the way for a more amicable relationship in the future.

As the MotoGP paddock prepares for the start of pre-season testing in Sepang, all eyes will be on Marquez as he embarks on his new chapter with Ducati. His performance on the bike, his interactions with his rivals, and his continued advocacy for sportsmanship will be closely scrutinized. Whether he can recapture his championship-winning form remains to be seen, but his commitment to fostering a more respectful and collaborative environment within MotoGP is a positive step for the sport.