As the MotoGP world continues to buzz with anticipation following the recent acquisition of the series by Liberty Media, a new controversy has emerged, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes maneuvering of Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of the championship. Veteran MotoGP manager Carlo Pernat has stirred the pot with his bold revelation that he was aware of an “exaggerated” plan by Dorna to reignite the infamous feud between legendary riders Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez, a rivalry that peaked a decade ago during the 2015 season. This disclosure, made public on August 13, 2025, has left fans and insiders questioning the motives behind such a strategy, especially as the sport transitions under new ownership.

Pernat, a well-respected figure in the MotoGP paddock with a history of managing top riders, shared his insights during an interview with MOW Magazine earlier this week. He claimed that Dorna had been in contact with several riders to create content revisiting the dramatic 2015 season, particularly the intense rivalry between Rossi and Marquez that culminated in a contentious incident at the Malaysian Grand Prix. That year, Rossi accused Marquez of deliberately hindering his title fight against Jorge Lorenzo, leading to a physical altercation where Rossi kicked Marquez off his bike. The fallout resulted in a grid penalty for Rossi, effectively ending his championship hopes and deepening the rift between the two icons. Pernat suggested that this nostalgic content might be a precursor to a larger, more theatrical plan, possibly involving a documentary or staged reconciliation, though he expressed skepticism about its feasibility.

The timing of this revelation coincides with Liberty Media’s recent approval by the European Union to take over MotoGP, a move that promises to elevate the sport’s global profile. Pernat hinted that Dorna, perhaps under pressure to deliver a compelling narrative to appease the new American owners, might be attempting to capitalize on the Rossi-Marquez saga to boost viewership and engagement. “What I’ve learned is that for a while now, when we were still waiting for the EU’s approval for Liberty Media, Dorna contacted some riders to make videos about the 2015 season and the rivalry between Vale and Marc,” Pernat explained. He added, “2015 has already been covered in every way. It wouldn’t make sense to revisit it unless it’s a precursor to something even bigger.”

Marquez, now riding for Ducati and still a dominant force in the sport, recently addressed the lingering tension in a press conference ahead of the 2025 season. The eight-time world champion indicated that any resolution would depend on mutual willingness, a stance that suggests he is not actively seeking to bury the hatchet. Rossi, who retired from full-time racing in 2021 but remains influential through his VR46 Racing Team, has not publicly commented on the rumored plan. However, Pernat’s comments imply that Dorna may have approached Rossi or his associates, though the Italian legend’s involvement remains unconfirmed.

The idea of reviving this feud has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans on social media platforms like X have expressed excitement at the prospect of seeing Rossi and Marquez face off again, even symbolically, while others criticize it as a desperate attempt to milk a decade-old drama. Critics argue that the sport has evolved with new talents like Pedro Acosta and Francesco Bagnaia, and that focusing on past rivalries could undermine the current generation’s achievements. Pernat himself seemed to share this sentiment, noting, “In any case, the industry has been talking about it for a long time, so there have been some sort of movements, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve already knocked on the doors of those directly involved.”

Adding another layer to the story, Pernat’s revelation comes amid speculation about Dorna’s broader marketing strategies under Liberty Media’s influence. The American company, known for its success with Formula 1, is expected to bring a Hollywood-style approach to MotoGP, potentially prioritizing spectacle over substance. This could explain the “exaggerated” nature of the plan, as Pernat described it, suggesting a staged event that might include public appearances or a dramatized retelling of the 2015 saga. However, the feasibility of such a plan remains doubtful, given the deep-seated animosity between Rossi and Marquez, as well as their current commitments outside the spotlight of active racing.

As of 2:58 PM +07 on August 13, 2025, no official statement has been released by Dorna or Liberty Media regarding Pernat’s claims. The MotoGP community awaits further developments, with many wondering if this is a genuine attempt to rekindle a historic rivalry or merely a rumor fueled by paddock gossip. For now, Pernat’s insider knowledge has opened a Pandora’s box, forcing fans and analysts to reconsider the direction of the sport under its new ownership. Whether this plan will come to fruition or fade into obscurity, one thing is clear: the legacy of Rossi and Marquez continues to cast a long shadow over MotoGP, even years after their on-track battles.