Why Valentino Rossi Still Holds a Grudge Against Marc Marquez

MotoGP, Sportrik Media – The rivalry between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez remains one of the most enduring and controversial storylines in MotoGP history, more than a decade after the events that first ignited it. What began as a sporting dispute in 2015 has evolved into a long-term political and emotional divide that still shapes paddock dynamics in 2026.

The flashpoint was the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit, where Rossi accused Marquez of deliberately interfering with his championship fight to favour Jorge Lorenzo. The on-track clash that followed resulted in Rossi receiving a grid penalty for the Valencia season finale, effectively destroying his chance of securing a tenth world title — a moment that Rossi has never accepted as legitimate sporting justice.

Since then, Rossi has repeatedly referred to what he calls “biscotto”, an Italian term implying backstage collusion between Spanish riders. In several public interviews, Rossi has maintained that Marquez compromised the integrity of the 2015 title fight by acting in the interests of others rather than racing for himself, a belief that has become a cornerstone of the feud.

The rivalry was reignited in 2018 at the Argentine Grand Prix when Marquez collided with Rossi, sending him to the ground. For Rossi, the incident reinforced his view that Marquez’s ultra-aggressive riding style crossed the line from hard racing into deliberate intimidation, particularly toward senior riders.

Beyond individual incidents, the conflict also reflects a deeper battle for historical legacy. With nine world titles, Rossi long stood as MotoGP’s benchmark, but Marquez’s pre-2020 trajectory suggested he could surpass that record. In 2026, that rivalry has shifted from the track to the team level, with Rossi running VR46 Racing Team and Marquez spearheading Ducati Lenovo Team, turning the feud into a strategic cold war within the Ducati ecosystem.

Marquez’s move to the Ducati factory squad in 2025 further deepened the rift, as Rossi felt it undermined the talent pathway he built through the VR46 Academy and directly threatened protégés such as Francesco Bagnaia. In Rossi’s eyes, Marquez was not just a rival but a political force capable of reshaping competitive hierarchies.

Ultimately, Rossi’s lingering hostility toward Marquez stems from more than one race or one crash. It is rooted in the loss of a historic title in 2015, a fundamental clash of sporting philosophies, and a battle over how MotoGP history will be written. As of January 2026, there is no sign of reconciliation — only a rivalry that continues to define an era, closely followed by Sportrik Media at https://sportrik.com.