In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the MotoGP world, Ducati’s top brass have issued a stern warning to legendary rider Valentino Rossi following his bombshell comments about Marc Márquez’s racing tactics. The Italian icon, a seven-time MotoGP world champion and a towering figure in the sport, recently reignited his long-standing feud with Márquez by accusing the Spaniard of engaging in illegal maneuvers during races. The statement, made during a candid interview earlier this week, has not only stirred the pot among fans but also drawn a sharp response from Ducati’s management, signaling potential cracks in the delicate harmony of the Italian manufacturer’s racing empire.

The saga unfolded on March 8, 2025, when Rossi, now a team owner with VR46 Racing and a key Ducati ally, sat down for a podcast and didn’t hold back. “Marc has always played dirty,” Rossi declared, his voice dripping with the weight of years of rivalry. “What he’s doing now with Ducati—pushing the limits, bending the rules—it’s not legal, and everyone knows it.” The accusation pointed directly at Márquez’s aggressive riding style, which Rossi claims has crossed ethical and regulatory lines since the Spaniard joined the factory Ducati team alongside Rossi’s protégé, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, for the 2025 season. For Rossi, this isn’t just a professional critique—it’s personal.

The history between Rossi and Márquez is the stuff of MotoGP legend. Their rivalry reached its boiling point in 2015 when a dramatic clash in Malaysia saw Rossi accused of kicking Márquez off his bike, costing the Italian a shot at the title. Márquez, meanwhile, has always maintained his innocence, framing his relentless approach as simply part of the game. A decade later, with Márquez now riding Ducati’s cutting-edge Desmosedici GP25 and challenging for a seventh world title—tying Rossi’s record—the old wounds have clearly reopened. Rossi’s comments suggest he believes Márquez’s presence in Ducati could destabilize Bagnaia’s championship bid, a prospect that hits close to home for the mentor who has guided the young Italian to two titles.

Ducati’s response was swift and unexpected. On March 10, 2025, Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse’s general manager and the mastermind behind the team’s recent dominance, issued a rare public statement. “Valentino is a legend, and we respect his legacy,” Dall’Igna began, his tone measured yet firm. “But these accusations are baseless and risk creating unnecessary tension within our team. Marc is a professional, and we expect all our partners—including VR46—to support the unity of this project.” The warning was clear: Rossi’s influence, while immense, has limits, and Ducati won’t tolerate any attempts to undermine their star-studded lineup.

For fans, this clash is pure drama gold. Social media platforms like X are buzzing with reactions, with some hailing Rossi as a truth-teller standing up to Márquez’s alleged antics, while others accuse him of sour grapes and hypocrisy, given his own colorful racing history. “Rossi calling out Márquez for being ‘illegal’ is peak irony,” one user posted, while another countered, “Vale’s just protecting Pecco—Marc’s a shark, and Ducati should’ve known that.” The controversy has only amplified anticipation for the 2025 season, which kicks off later this month in Thailand, where Márquez and Bagnaia will share the factory garage for the first time.

Behind the scenes, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Ducati has built a dream team with Márquez and Bagnaia, blending the Spaniard’s raw speed and mental toughness with the Italian’s precision and consistency. Rossi’s VR46 squad, now enjoying elevated factory support from Ducati, adds another layer of complexity. If Rossi continues to stoke the flames, it could fracture the fragile equilibrium Ducati has worked so hard to maintain. Analysts speculate that Dall’Igna’s warning is as much a plea for peace as it is a power play—reminding Rossi that while his voice carries weight, Ducati’s priorities lie with its riders and the championship.

What’s next? All eyes will be on Rossi’s response. Will he double down, risking a deeper rift with Ducati, or back off to preserve his team’s privileged status? Meanwhile, Márquez, ever the provocateur, has stayed silent so far, letting his performance on the track do the talking. As the MotoGP paddock braces for an explosive season, one thing is certain: this isn’t just a war of words—it’s a battle for legacy, loyalty, and supremacy in the world’s fastest two-wheeled circus.