The 2025 MotoGP season has barely begun, but the paddock is already buzzing with drama that could rival the fiercest on-track battles. The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has launched an investigation into reigning double champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia and MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi for their alleged use of the derogatory nickname “Crashquez” to describe Marc Marquez in two separate, unfiltered reports. The controversy, rooted in a long-standing rivalry and heightened by Marquez’s blistering start to the season, threatens to escalate tensions within the Ducati garage and reignite one of MotoGP’s most storied feuds.

The term “Crashquez” is a pointed jab at Marquez’s aggressive riding style, which has often pushed the limits of both his bike and his rivals’ patience. Coined by fans and critics alike, the nickname references Marquez’s history of high-risk maneuvers that sometimes end in spectacular crashes. While it’s no secret that Marquez rides on the razor’s edge, the use of the term by Bagnaia and Rossi—two of Ducati’s most prominent figures—has raised eyebrows, prompting the FIM to scrutinize whether their comments breach the sport’s code of conduct regarding respect among competitors.

According to sources close to the paddock, the first instance occurred in a post-race debrief following the Thailand Grand Prix, where Marquez dominated both the sprint and main race, leaving Bagnaia in third. In an unfiltered team report, Bagnaia reportedly referred to Marquez as “Crashquez” while discussing a near-collision during the race, implying that Marquez’s aggressive tactics were reckless. The second instance came from Rossi, Bagnaia’s mentor and the owner of the VR46 team, during a podcast appearance. Rossi, whose own rivalry with Marquez dates back to the infamous 2015 Sepang clash, allegedly used the term to describe Marquez’s approach at the Argentina Grand Prix, where the Spaniard’s pace sparked controversy over possible technical irregularities on his Ducati GP25.

The FIM’s investigation centers on whether these remarks constitute unsportsmanlike conduct or an attempt to undermine Marquez’s reputation. MotoGP’s governing body has been increasingly vigilant about maintaining professionalism in the sport, especially as rivalries like the one between Rossi and Marquez have historically spilled over into fan conflicts and media storms. A source within the FIM stated, “We’re reviewing the context and intent behind these statements. The sport thrives on passion, but there’s a line between rivalry and disrespect.”

Marquez, for his part, has remained characteristically unfazed. After topping the timesheets in Argentina, he addressed the controversy with a smirk: “They can call me what they want. I’m here to win races, not words.” His performance on the track speaks louder than any nickname—Marquez has won three of the first four grands prix in 2025, leading the championship by 26 points over Bagnaia. His seamless adaptation to the factory Ducati has only intensified the scrutiny, with rivals questioning whether his bike’s technical updates, including a new swingarm and aerodynamic tweaks, comply with homologation rules.

The “Crashquez” saga is more than just a war of words; it’s a symptom of deeper tensions within Ducati. Bagnaia, the team’s loyal champion, has long been the face of Ducati’s resurgence, but Marquez’s arrival has shifted the dynamic. The pairing of two title contenders in the same garage was always going to be explosive, but Rossi’s involvement adds another layer of complexity. As Bagnaia’s mentor, Rossi’s influence looms large, and his history with Marquez—marked by accusations of sabotage and on-track aggression—casts a long shadow. Some pundits speculate that Rossi’s comments are a deliberate attempt to rally support for Bagnaia and unsettle Marquez, a tactic reminiscent of his own mind games during his racing career.

The paddock is divided on the issue. Former rider Sylvain Guintoli, now an analyst, commented, “Pecco and Vale know Marc is a force of nature. Calling him ‘Crashquez’ might be their way of coping with his dominance, but it’s a risky move. The FIM doesn’t take these things lightly.” Meanwhile, fans on social media are split, with some defending Bagnaia and Rossi’s right to speak freely and others accusing them of sour grapes in the face of Marquez’s superior pace.

The timing of the investigation couldn’t be worse for Ducati, which is already under pressure to address the technical controversy surrounding Marquez’s bike. A ruling against Bagnaia or Rossi could result in fines, public apologies, or even points deductions, further complicating the team’s title chase. Conversely, if the FIM clears them, it risks emboldening more verbal sparring, potentially fueling fan hostility at upcoming races like the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez, where Marquez and Bagnaia are both chasing a historic fourth victory.

For Marquez, the “Crashquez” label is just another chapter in a career defined by defying expectations. His aggressive style has always polarized opinions, but it’s also what makes him one of the greatest riders in MotoGP history. As he chases a ninth world title—tying Rossi’s record—the Spaniard seems to thrive on the chaos, using criticism as fuel to push harder. “Marc is a shark,” Rossi once said in 2024, praising Bagnaia’s ability to fend him off. Now, that shark is in Ducati’s waters, and neither Bagnaia nor Rossi seems ready to back down.

As the FIM deliberates, the MotoGP world watches eagerly. Will this investigation quell the trash talk, or will it ignite an even fiercer rivalry? One thing is certain: with Marquez, Bagnaia, and Rossi in the mix, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a thriller, both on and off the track.