NASCAR Cup Chase Points Standings after 2026 Phoenix II
October 19, 2026
MotoGP has witnessed some of the most intense controversies in sports history but none have captivated fans and ignited debates quite like the Valentino Rossi vs Marc Marquez rivalry.
The controversial feud marked by fierce competition, contentious incidents and a complex web of emotions has evolved over the years leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Genesis of the rivalry
Valentino Rossi, often referred to as “The Doctor” is one of the most successful riders in MotoGP history boasting nine world championships with seven (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009) in the premier class.
Rossi has been a dominant figure in motorcycle racing for over two decades with his charisma and racing prowess earning him a legion of fans worldwide.
Marc Marquez, on the other hand, emerged as a prodigious talent in the early 2010s with his aggressive riding style and unparalleled speed. The Spaniard also holds nine world titles with seven (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2025) from MotoGP.
Initially, their relationship was characterized by mutual respect. The most notable is a photo of Marquez as a child meeting Rossi and getting a diecast model signed by the legendary Italian racer.
However as Marquez progressed through Moto3, Moto2 ranks and ultimately MotoGP (2013), the competitive desire to beat his idol was already evident during his rookie season.
Marquez proceeded to secure his maiden MotoGP title with a dominant 2014 campaign, and while racing was hard between the two, it never got out of hand as Marquez would often draw back to how much he respects and admires Rossi during press conferences or interviews.
The Infamous 2015 MotoGP season
The seeds of Valentino Rossi vs Marc Marquez rivalry were sown during the 2015 MotoGP season, a year that would prove pivotal for both riders. Rossi was engaged in a fierce battle for the championship against his Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo.
As the season progressed, Marquez’s aggressive racing style began to clash with Rossi’s tactics on the track, leading to a series of confrontations that would ultimately define their rivalry.
Tensions reached a boiling point during the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang when an incident between the two Yamaha riders resulted in one of the most controversial moments in MotoGP history.
Marquez was putting very aggressive moves in what was quickly becoming a personal battle against Rossi which in-turn generated similar overtakes from the Italian. Rossi ultimately ran out of patience and went to the inside of Marquez at turn 14 before appearing to purposely knock his rival off.
After the race, Rossi was of the belief that Marquez was doing his utmost to help Lorenzo and accused him of deliberately sabotaging his championship bid by blocking him on track.
With replays available, it was clear that Rossi’s leg got caught on Marquez’s bike and that it was not an intentional move, but Rossi going slowly alongside him and Marquez then falling off his RC213V when contact was made.
However, Rossi was penalized and forced to start from the back of the grid in the final race of the season in Valencia. This penalty proved crucial as he ultimately lost the championship to Lorenzo by just five points and it was at that point the Valentino Rossi vs Marc Marquez rivalry boiled over.
Lingering Frustrations
Fast forward to late 2024 it is evident that Valentino Rossi vs Marc Marquez rivalry has not subsided. Rossi’s brother Luca Marini revealed that the 45-year old is “still angry” with Marquez over their infamous tangle eight years ago.
This sentiment was echoed by Rossi himself during a recent podcast appearance where he told a back-story about what happened in Sepang in 2015 as he received a penalty for contact with Marquez, forcing him to start from the back of the grid in Valencia.
“Emilio Alzamora [Marquez’s manager at the time] started insulting me, I asked him why he was there if he wasn’t from Honda,” Rossi revisited the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang. “There was a bit of a half-scuffle.
“In the end, Mike Webb (race director) announced that I would start last in Valencia, something that has never happened in MotoGP. According to the rules, I should have had a ride through in Sepang. Instead of third I would have finished fifth.
“If they thought I had knocked Marquez down on purpose, they should have forced me to do it, but they didn’t and they made up for me to start from last place in Valencia. They cut off my legs and I lost the championship.
“Marquez was there with his head down. I told him that he would carry this forward throughout his career, because it is disgusting for the sport to make someone else lose.
“The moment Mike Webb said I should start last in Valencia, my blood ran cold because I knew I had lost the title. But my first reaction was to look at Marquez, who looked up and looked at Alzamora as if to say: ‘We have done it’.“
Tensions between Rossi and Marquez erupted again during the 2026 San Marino Grand Prix at Misano where the Spaniard put in yet another stunning display to win the sprint and the main race, taking the title lead.
Before the weekend, Rossi had announced the release of his new autobiography, and it didn’t take long until Marquez was asked about it during an interview.
When asked whether he will read it, Marquez said: “I don’t know if he will speak about it [our rivalry] or not. Why not [read it]? Maybe when I retire I will read it to try to learn new things because in the end it’s good to learn from all the legends of every sport.
“I read some books, some biographies and why not? You always learn from the top legends and sportsmen.”
Rossi and Marquez appeared to keep their distance in the paddock, but a viral post from MotoGP showed the former celebrating Jorge Martin’s early overtake on Marquez, reigniting the debate with fans quickly taking sides.
Marquez has faced a hostile reception in Italy, widely regarded as Rossi’s home turf. Last year the crowd booed him at Mugello and Misano after crashing out.
However, this year there was no hostility for Marquez who doubles up as the favourite to claim another title that would see him overtake Rossi in the all-time standings.
