MotoGP, Rossi: "Marquez? I have my opinion about him, and I won't change it."

Marquez's aggressive methods have never pleased Valentino Rossi, and he's never done anything to suggest otherwise. Then, again, there have been numerous on-track skirmishes between the two, often bitter and brutal. One example was during the 2018 Argentine GP, when the former Honda rider made the Italian rider fall.

Despite the fact that lots of time has passed since then, the Doctor hasn't forgotten and, in a recent interview with by the French newspaper, L'Equipe, about the current Gresini team and future official Ducati rider, he replied laconically, "I have a clear opinion, and I won't ever change it."

With an ax to grind against the champion from Cervera, the 45-year-old criticized Borgo Panigale's choice for 2025. "I honestly didn't understand it, since everything seemed to have been done for Martin's arrival. That said, Bagnaia is ready. He's a two-time MotoGP world champion and is fighting for a third title. In my opinion, he didn't need Marc in the garage to prove that he's the number one," he observed, while speaking of the rider from the Marche region, and then he wanted to rub it in further. 

"The consequence of this move was the farewell of Prima Pramac's farewell," he recalled, regarding Campionti moving the team to Yamaha and Martinator's signing with Aprilia. "And to think that the manufacturer from Emilia had set in motion an interesting pyramid system that allowed young riders to progress with the dream of one day being promoted to the factory team. This was what Jorge and Bezzecchi were hoping for but, in light of the sudden change in strategy, they obviously feel betrayed," he added.

In conclusion, Vale wanted to dedicate a thought to his friend Pecco, an outright star also in this championship: "He's making a difference and has managed to raise the bar. I personally never doubted his abilities. The Japanese manufacturers will have a hard time becoming competitive again."