Since March 9, 2025, the MotoGP world has once again been electrified by the ongoing rivalry between two of its biggest icons: Valentino Rossi and Marc Márquez. The latest chapter began this week when eight-time world champion Márquez issued a stern warning ahead of the 2025 season, which is scheduled to begin in Qatar on March 23. Márquez spoke confidently about his ambitions with the Ducati factory team, declaring, “Hey, man, stay home and watch me race and win these titles,” a direct dig at Rossi’s legendary status and his record nine world championships. Rossi, now 46 and retired from MotoGP in 2021, did not tolerate this provocation. In an interview with Italian media on March 8, he addressed Márquez’s mockery and the Spaniard’s infamous nickname “Crashquez,” reigniting a feud that has captivated fans for more than a decade.

Márquez’s comments came as he prepared to seek his ninth title, which would equal Rossi’s: seven of them in the premier class. After a triumphant 2024 season with Gresini Racing, where he won the MotoGP championship with Ducati, Márquez’s move to the factory Ducati team alongside Francesco Bagnaia signals his intention to dominate. His warning to Rossi wasn’t just about titles; it was a challenge to the Italian’s legacy as the sport’s most famous personality. Rossi, whose influence extends beyond his 115 Grand Prix wins with his VR46 team and academy, responded with his trademark wit. Crashquez, what? “I’ve heard that before,” he said, referring to the nickname Márquez earned due to his crash-prone early career. “Marc has always been good at talking and falling, but let’s see if he can prove it without falling.”

The nickname “Crashquez” evokes Márquez’s aggressive style, which often saw him push the limits, sometimes to his detriment. However, Rossi’s retort wasn’t just a dig at past crashes; it was a reminder of their historic clashes, particularly the infamous 2015 Sepang incident. That year, Rossi accused Márquez of sabotaging his title fight to favor Jorge Lorenzo, culminating in a collision that led to Márquez’s crash and Rossi’s penalty, ultimately costing him his tenth championship. The bad blood has simmered ever since, and Rossi recently reaffirmed his stance in a 2024 podcast, calling Márquez’s actions “unforgivable.” Márquez, now 32 and fully fit, seems unfazed, using Rossi’s legacy as fuel. “I grew up idolizing Valentino,” he admitted last month, “but now it’s my time to take what’s mine.”

Rossi’s response also touched on Márquez’s prospects for 2025. “He’s on the best bike, without a doubt,” Rossi admitted, referencing Ducati’s recent dominance. “But titles aren’t won with words. I’ve raced with him, I know what he’s capable of, both on the track and in the mind games.” Rossi’s words carry weight; he outperformed a 36-year-old Márquez in his prime in 2015, only to lose the title at Valencia amid their dispute. Now, as owner of the VR46 team, which fields riders such as Marco Bezzecchi with Ducati, Rossi remains a formidable presence. Some speculate his comments are a psychological blow, meant to unsettle Márquez as he faces stiff competition from Bagnaia, the 2022 champion, and Jorge Martín, the 2024 runner-up, now with Aprilia.

The 2025 season promises fireworks, with Márquez’s arrival at Ducati ratcheting up the stakes. His resurgence in 2024, winning multiple races after years of injury setbacks, demonstrated his resilience, but Rossi’s legacy looms large. With 89 premier-class wins to Márquez’s 45, the Spaniard has ground to cover, although his youth gives him time. Rossi, meanwhile, isn’t racing, but he’s not staying silent either. “Marc wants to be the best? He has to earn it, not just say it,” he joked, hinting at the mental war that defined their rivalry. X fans are divided: some praise Márquez’s bravado, others defend Rossi’s untouchable status, with one writing: “Valentino is a legend; Marc is just an imposter until he matches those numbers.”

As the first race in Qatar approaches, Márquez’s warning and Rossi’s retort set the stage for a story that transcends the track. Rossi may be watching from the sidelines, but his shadow looms large over MotoGP. Márquez, nicknamed “Crashquez” by his detractors, has become a calculated force, but the question remains: can he eclipse Rossi’s legend without collapsing under the pressure? The 2025 season will tell, but for now, Rossi’s response ensures their saga remains as exciting off the track as it was on.