The MotoGP world is boiling after the recent statements that have shaken the paddock. Gigi Dall’igna, the chief engineer and general director of Ducati Cors, has issued a public warning to Valentino Rossi, owner of the VR46 team, in response to the accusations that indicate Álex Márquez for an alleged breach of the rules in the Grand Prix of Spain in Jerez. This episode has revived historical tensions and promises to add even more drama to a 2025 season that is already being unforgettable.

The origin of the conflict: Álex Márquez under the magnifying glass

Álex Márquez, pilot of the Gresini Racing team and current leader of the MotoGP Championship, has been the center of attention after his historic victory in the Spain Grand Prix. His star performance in Jerez, where he dominated both the Sprint race and the main race, marked his first victory in the queen category in his house circuit. However, the celebration was tarnished by rumors and accusations from the surroundings of Valentino Rossi, particularly from Uccio Salucci, head of the VR46 team and close friend of Rossi.

According to sources close to the VR46 team, it has been suggested that Álex Márquez could have violated the technical regulations related to the pressure of the tires during the race. These accusations, although they have not been formally presented to the Grand Prix Commission, have generated a considerable stir. Salucci, in statements collected by Italian media, said: “Everyone talks about Álex, but there are things that should be investigated. It is not just their speed that surprises.” These words lit the spark of a new chapter in the rivalry between Rossi’s sides and the Márquez brothers.

Ducati’s overwhelming response

Gigi Dall’igna soon left these accusations. In a message posted on his LinkedIn account, the brain behind Ducati’s domain in MotoGP vehemently defended Álex Márquez and sent a clear message to the VR46 team. “Álex’s victory in Jerez was historic, deserved and, above all, clean. His solidity, intelligence and rhythm have been impeccable. Any irregularity insinuation is unacceptable and lacks foundation. I hope that certain teams focus on competing on the track and not in generating controversies outside of it,” Dall’igna wrote.

This warning not only seeks to protect Álex’s reputation, but also send a message to Rossi, whose relationship with Ducati has been complex since he passed through the official team in 2011 and 2012. Although VR46 is a Ducati client team, the tensions between Rossi and the Márquez, especially with Marc, have created a delicate dynamic within the ecosystem of the Italian brand.

The background: a historical rivalry

The conflict between Valentino Rossi and the Márquez brothers is not new. Since the infamous Incident of Sepang in 2015, when Rossi accused Marc Márquez to conspire against him, the rivalry has been a MotoGP constant. Now, with Álex emerging as a serious contender to the title and Marc leading Ducati’s official team with Pecco Bagnaia, the “Marquista” is at its strongest point. On the other hand, Rossi, through his VR46 team, remains an influential figure, and his support for pilots such as Bagnaia and Franco Morbidelli reinforces the “rossist side.”

Dall’igna’s comment also reflects Ducati’s concern to maintain internal harmony. With Marc Márquez as a star signing by 2025 and Alex leading the championship, the Italian brand cannot afford distractions. Paolo Campinoti, head of the Pramac team, had already warned in 2024 that Marc’s arrival could generate “boxing tension”. Now, accusations against Álex threaten these frictions even more.

Implications for the Championship

The Jerez incident has not only revived old wounds, but also has direct implications in the fight for the title. Álex Márquez, with his consistency and speed, has surpassed his brother Marc in the general classification, accumulating six second consecutive positions before his victory in Spain. For his part, Pecco Bagnaia, Rossi’s protégé, has shown flashes of genius, but has not been able to match the rhythm of the Márquez in the first 2025 races.

Meanwhile, the Grand Prix Commission has announced that it will review the regulations on tire pressure to avoid similar controversies in the future. This decision comes after the chaos of Austin, where several penalties for irregularities in the tires generated criticism. However, until concrete evidence is presented, the accusations against Álex Márquez remain in the field of speculation.

The future: a civil war in Ducati?

The MotoGP paddock is on the edge of a “civil war” between the Ducati teams, as already warned of Motorpasion Moto after the incident between Álex Márquez and Bagnaia in Motorland Aragón in 2024. with Rossi and the Márquez on opposite sides, and Ducati trapped in the middle, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most intense Championship

For now, Álex Márquez remains focused on the track, letting his results speak for him. “The best way to respond to criticism is to win,” he said after his triumph in Jerez. Meanwhile, Rossi, from his position as owner of VR46, must decide whether to climb the conflict or seek reconciliation with Ducati. What is clear is that, in MotoGP, passion, rivalry and drama they never rest.