Marc Marquez’s commanding performance at the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, where he secured a clean sweep in both the Sprint and main races, was a testament to his resurgence with Ducati. However, the weekend at Mugello was tainted by a hostile reception from sections of the crowd, reigniting the long-standing feud with Italian legend Valentino Rossi, four years after his retirement. The jeers directed at Marquez, and even his brother Álex, who finished runner-up in both events, underscored the lingering bitterness stemming from the controversial 2015 MotoGP season, a wound that continues to divide fans and shape the sport’s narrative.
The animosity was palpable after Marquez’s Sprint race victory on Saturday, with audible boos echoing through the stands. Álex Marquez, riding for Gresini Racing, also faced criticism from the crowd despite his strong performance. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi, visibly frustrated, was seen gesturing to the fans to stop, emphasizing that Marquez was representing an Italian team. His efforts did little to quell the hostility. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tardozzi attributed the fans’ reaction to the dramatic 2015 season, when Rossi lost the championship to Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo by a mere five points. That year, tensions between Rossi and Marquez peaked during the Malaysian Grand Prix, where Rossi appeared to kick out at Marquez during a heated battle, resulting in a penalty that forced him to start the season finale in Valencia from the back of the grid. Many Rossi fans believed Marquez had deliberately aided Lorenzo, a fellow Spaniard, fueling a rivalry that remains unresolved.
Tardozzi expressed disappointment that two of MotoGP’s greatest icons remain estranged. “What matters after 10 years is that Vale and Marc are two icons of motorcycling, and should be adored by everyone,” he said. He acknowledged Rossi’s frustration, noting that the Italian “deserved” a tenth world championship, but insisted the blame for the 2015 fallout was shared equally. Tardozzi hinted at undisclosed details behind the Sepang incident, suggesting that the full story involves complexities not entirely dependent on the riders themselves. He expressed hope for reconciliation, believing Marquez would be open to peace if Rossi extended an olive branch. “I dream that Vale gives a signal to try to clarify, because I think Marc would be available,” Tardozzi said, emphasizing the potential for the two champions to collaborate and promote the sport positively.
Marquez, now 32, has attempted to downplay the feud. In a pre-Mugello press conference, he dismissed comparisons to Rossi, with whom he could level on seven MotoGP titles if he secures the 2025 championship. However, his diplomatic tone failed to win over Rossi’s loyal fanbase, known for their passionate support. Former rider Scott Redding criticized Rossi, suggesting he “could have stopped” his fans from targeting Marquez but instead allowed the situation to escalate, revealing a “bad side” to the Italian legend. Meanwhile, VR46 academy graduate and current MotoGP star Francesco Bagnaia has repeatedly tried to silence the boos directed at Marquez, a gesture Redding praised as the right approach.
The 2015 controversy continues to cast a long shadow. Rossi’s penalty in Malaysia, which many fans still view as unjust, has cemented Marquez as a polarizing figure in Italy, despite his undeniable talent and recent success with Ducati. Tardozzi lamented the ongoing rift, noting that a reconciliation between Marquez and Rossi could send “positive messages to help our sport grow.” However, with no contact between the two since 2015, as confirmed by Marquez before the race, a resolution seems unlikely in the near term.
Marquez’s dominance at Mugello, where he showcased his trademark aggressive riding style, reaffirmed his status as a title contender in 2025. His brother Álex’s consistent podium finishes further highlighted the Márquez family’s growing influence in MotoGP. Yet, the weekend’s success was bittersweet, overshadowed by the crowd’s reaction and the unresolved tension with Rossi’s legacy. As Marquez continues his pursuit of another championship, the question remains whether time will heal the wounds of 2015 or if the rivalry will persist as a defining chapter in MotoGP history. For now, Marquez’s focus remains on the track, but the echoes of Mugello’s boos serve as a reminder that some battles extend far beyond the finish line.
