The world of MotoGP has always been a cauldron of high stakes, fierce rivalries, and unrelenting drama, but recent events have thrust the sport into a renewed spotlight of controversy. The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) has pointed a finger at legendary rider Valentino Rossi, accusing him of exacerbating tensions between his protégé, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, and eight-time world champion Marc Marquez. The accusations stem from Rossi’s public comments and actions, which the FIM believes have unnecessarily inflamed an already volatile situation within the Ducati Lenovo Team for the 2025 season. This latest chapter in MotoGP’s storied history of rivalries has reignited discussions about sportsmanship, team dynamics, and the lingering shadow of past feuds, particularly Rossi’s infamous 2015 clash with Marquez.

The controversy began to simmer when Marquez, fresh off a dominant start to the 2025 season with four consecutive victories, joined the factory Ducati team alongside Bagnaia, a two-time MotoGP champion and Rossi’s hand-picked star from the VR46 Academy. The pairing was expected to be explosive, given Marquez’s aggressive riding style and Bagnaia’s reputation for precision under pressure. However, tensions escalated during the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, where a fierce on-track battle between the two riders resulted in contact at Turn 3. The incident, described by Bagnaia as a “normal racing contact,” was scrutinized by Race Direction, with both riders questioned about their actions. While no penalties were issued, the episode sparked a wave of speculation about the underlying dynamics within the team, particularly as Marquez continues his pursuit of Rossi’s record of nine world championships.

Rossi, now a team owner and mentor, has been vocal about his concerns regarding Marquez’s influence in MotoGP. His comments, particularly in a recent interview with Corriere della Serra, have drawn the ire of the FIM. Rossi advised Bagnaia to avoid “falling into traps” and mind games set by Marquez, warning that the Spaniard’s psychological tactics could unsettle his protégé. These remarks, coupled with Rossi’s historical animosity toward Marquez, have been interpreted by the FIM as an attempt to stoke division within the Ducati garage. The FIM’s statement, released on July 24, 2025, expressed disappointment in Rossi’s rhetoric, arguing that it risks “poisoning the atmosphere” of the sport, echoing sentiments from a similar controversy in 2015 when Rossi was accused of undermining fair play.

The 2015 season remains a sore point for Rossi and his supporters. During that year, Rossi accused Marquez of sabotaging his championship bid by aiding Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo, culminating in a contentious collision at the Malaysian Grand Prix. The incident led to a penalty that forced Rossi to start from the back of the grid in Valencia, ultimately costing him the title. Rossi’s camp, including close allies like Uccio Salucci and his father Graziano, has never fully moved on from the perceived injustice. Recent comments from Salucci, expressing hope that Marquez does not surpass Rossi’s 115 career victories, and Graziano’s public support for Bagnaia over Marquez, have only added to the narrative of lingering resentment.

The FIM’s accusation against Rossi centers on the belief that his influence as a mentor and team owner carries significant weight, particularly among Italian fans and riders. By framing Marquez as a disruptive force, Rossi risks escalating tensions not only within the Ducati team but also among fans, who have been known to boo Marquez at Italian circuits like Mugello and Misano. This was evident when Bagnaia himself gestured to the crowd to stop jeering Marquez during last season’s San Marino Grand Prix, a move that Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi praised as sportsmanlike. Tardozzi has publicly called for Rossi and Marquez to reconcile, urging them to “shake hands” and move past their decade-old feud to foster a more positive environment in MotoGP.

On the track, the rivalry between Bagnaia and Marquez is shaping up to be a defining storyline of the 2025 season. Marquez’s flawless performance in Argentina and his ability to dominate at circuits where he historically struggled, like Mugello, have put Bagnaia on the back foot. Bagnaia, who trails Marquez by 110 points in the championship standings, has acknowledged the need to be more reflective to avoid mistakes, a lesson Rossi has emphasized. However, Rossi’s warnings about Marquez’s tactics could potentially disrupt Bagnaia’s focus, creating a psychological burden as he navigates the challenge of racing alongside a rider of Marquez’s caliber.

The FIM’s call for unity comes at a critical juncture for MotoGP, as the sport seeks to maintain its reputation for competitive integrity. While Rossi’s legacy as a nine-time world champion and global icon is undeniable, his continued involvement in the Marquez narrative risks overshadowing the on-track battles that should define the season. As the championship heads toward the Dutch TT at Assen, all eyes will be on Bagnaia and Marquez to see if they can maintain professionalism in the face of external pressures. For Rossi, the challenge lies in balancing his role as a mentor with the need to promote harmony within the sport he helped elevate to global prominence. Whether he heeds the FIM’s warning or continues to fan the flames of this enduring rivalry remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the saga of Rossi, Marquez, and Bagnaia is far from over.