Marc Marquez has sparked debate in the MotoGP world with a bold statement: his new Ducati GP25 could be the ultimate weapon to overtake Valentino Rossi and claim the title of “legend” of motorcycling. The announcement, which came during an interview after testing the bike, provoked mixed reactions from fans and professionals, starting a new phase of rivalry between two of the most iconic names in the sport.

Six-time world champion Marquez recently began his chapter with Ducati Factory after years of success and difficulties with Honda. Joining Ducati, a team that has dominated MotoGP for years, represents a rebirth for the Spaniard and a real chance to return to the top. The new GP25, according to Marquez, has all the qualities to make this feat possible. In recent tests, the bike showed a powerful engine and good stability, two fundamental characteristics for competing at the highest level. However, the Spaniard admitted that there are still aspects to perfect, such as the braking system, which is currently not up to the level of the GP24.

Marquez’s statement, “I will beat you,” symbolically directed at Valentino Rossi, sparked a heated debate among fans. On the one hand, there are those who support the Spaniard’s ambition, seeing him as the only rider capable of surpassing Rossi’s records. On the other hand, many criticise his words, seen as disrespectful towards a rider who has marked the history of MotoGP not only with his titles, but also with his charisma and his ability to attract millions of fans around the world. Rossi, with seven MotoGP titles and a charisma that transcends the sport, is considered by many to be the greatest rider of all time. Marquez, with six titles under his belt, is undoubtedly one of the most credible contenders to equal or surpass that record, but it remains to be seen whether he can leave the same lasting impact.

The comparison between Rossi and Marquez is not new. Their rivalry exploded on and off the track, culminating in the famous “Sepang Clash” of 2015, an episode that divided the motorcycling world. Marquez’s words seem to reopen that wound, further fueling the debate about who is the best of all time. However, while Rossi has retired from racing and is now dedicated to other activities, Marquez is still in the prime of his career and has the opportunity to add new chapters to his story.

The GP25 will be crucial for Marquez in this endeavour. During testing, the Spanish rider worked closely with his teammate Francesco Bagnaia and both shared similar opinions on the bike, a factor that could speed up the development process. Ducati has demonstrated its unrivalled technical ability in recent years and, with such a strong riding duo, expectations for 2025 are very high. Bagnaia, the reigning world champion, welcomed the arrival of Marquez, but made no secret of the fact that internal competition could become intense. For Ducati, success will depend not only on the quality of the bike, but also on the ability to manage the dynamic between the two riders.

Marquez’s challenge is not only against current opponents, but also against time. The Spanish rider has suffered numerous injuries in recent years and many wonder whether he will be able to maintain the level of performance necessary to compete at the top. Despite the difficulties, Marquez showed unwavering determination and declared that he is willing to push himself beyond any limits to achieve his goals.

As 2025 approaches, expectations for the new MotoGP season are very high. Yamaha, KTM and Aprilia are working hard to close the gap on Ducati, but the real focus will be on how Marquez and Bagnaia manage their collaboration and competition. Marquez’s statement has already put the spotlight on him, and now it is up to the Spanish rider to prove on track that his words were not just provocations, but a reflection of his ambition and capabilities.

The upcoming championship could turn out to be one of the most exciting and hard-fought in recent years. Can Márquez surpass Rossi not only in numbers, but also in the collective imagination? The answer will come from the first green light, when every corner and every overtake will have the power to rewrite history. For now, the only certainty is that 2025 will be a season that no MotoGP fan will want to miss.