The 2025 Qatar Grand Prix, the fourth round of the MotoGP World Championship, was marked by controversy centering on Alex Márquez, Valentino Rossi, and Francesco Bagnaia. Rossi, owner of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 team, reported to the FIM a maneuver by Márquez, described as an “intentional collision” against Fabio Di Giannantonio, which jeopardized the VR46 rider’s race. Alex Márquez’s reaction was swift, accompanied by an intervention from Bagnaia, who defended his colleague but also called for clarity regarding the rules. The incident reignited old tensions and raised questions about track safety.

The accident occurred in the early stages of the race at Lusail, where Alex Márquez, of the Gresini team, hit Di Giannantonio at Turn 1, pushing him off the track. The collision damaged the front of Diggia’s Ducati, forcing him to make a comeback that resulted in him finishing outside the points. Franco Morbidelli, the other VR46 rider, although not directly involved, lost ground in the initial chaos but still finished fourth after a solid race. Rossi, present in Qatar to support his team, accused Márquez of having acted intentionally. “It wasn’t a random error, but a deliberate maneuver that ruined Fabio’s race,” he said, calling on the FIM to impose harsher sanctions to discourage similar behavior. According to Rossi, the penalty imposed on Márquez—a long lap that relegated him to seventh place—doesn’t reflect the seriousness of what happened.

Alex Márquez responded decisively, defending his integrity. In a post-race interview, he admitted to the contact but denied any intention. “It was a racing incident. I tried to overtake, but I misjudged the gap. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone,” he explained, apologizing to Di Giannantonio. Márquez then addressed Rossi’s accusations, emphasizing that the term “intentional” is unfair. “I understand the frustration, but these words are exaggerated. Racing is like that, sometimes there are clashes,” he added, urging people not to exaggerate the incident due to Rossi’s height. His response was supported by race winner Marc Márquez, who called the incident “a normal racing collision” and asked not to fuel the controversy.

Reigning champion and factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia also weighed in on the matter. After securing second place at Lusail, “Pecco” offered a balanced view. “I understand Vale’s point of view, because his rider suffered damage. But I think Alex didn’t act intentionally,” he said, emphasizing the need for clearer rules for managing contact on track. Bagnaia then criticized the FIM for inconsistent sanctions, citing recent cases such as the penalty imposed on Maverick Viñales for irregular tire pressure. “We need to know exactly what is allowed and what is not, otherwise it creates confusion,” he added, indirectly supporting Rossi’s call for a more rigorous approach.

The controversy comes in an already tense context for MotoGP, with the FIM under scrutiny for its handling of the regulations. New regulations on tire pressure and penalties for dangerous contact have sparked debate, and the Lusail accident has reignited the debate between safety and spectacle. Rossi, who has famously clashed with the Márquez brothers in the past, seems determined to use his influence to drive change. “It’s not just for my team, but for the future of MotoGP. We cannot accept unnecessary risks,” he reiterated.

For the VR46 team, the incident represents a setback in an already promising season. Di Giannantonio, furious at the missed opportunity, called the incident “unacceptable” and supported Rossi in his call for harsher sanctions. Morbidelli, for his part, preferred to look ahead, dedicating his result to the team: “I want to win for Vale and for us.” Meanwhile, Alex Márquez is trying to put the controversy behind him to focus on the upcoming races.

As MotoGP prepares for the next round, the echoes of the Lusail accident continue to resonate. The words of Rossi, Márquez, and Bagnaia reflect different points of view but converge on a common need: clarity and consistency in the rules. The FIM, called upon to respond, faces a crucial challenge: balancing competition and safety without stifling the spirit of MotoGP. With old rivalries resurfacing and new tensions erupting, the 2025 championship looks more unpredictable than ever.