The MotoGP world has been rocked by yet another chapter in the storied rivalry between Marc Márquez and Valentino Rossi, this time sparked by a provocative statement from Rossi that drew a fiery response from Márquez’s girlfriend, Gemma Pinto. Following Márquez’s dominant victory at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, Rossi, the nine-time world champion, made headlines with a comment suggesting that Márquez’s recent success, particularly at the Aragon Grand Prix, was a matter of luck rather than skill, even hinting that age might be catching up with the Spaniard. Pinto, a Catalan model and influencer, did not hold back, breaking her silence with a sharp retort that has reignited tensions and divided fans, adding fuel to one of motorsport’s most enduring feuds.

The controversy began after Márquez’s stunning performance in Hungary, where he secured his 72nd career win, further cementing his place among MotoGP’s all-time greats. Rossi, now retired but still a towering figure as the owner of Ducati’s VR46 satellite team, appeared to downplay Márquez’s achievement in a post-race interview. “Luck plays a big role sometimes,” Rossi remarked, adding, “At his age, it’s not the same as before.” The comment, perceived by many as a jab at Márquez’s resurgence after years of injury-plagued seasons, prompted an immediate backlash from Pinto. In a viral social media post, she fired back: “Calling it luck is lazy. Marc’s talent and hard work are undeniable. Some people need to move on from old grudges.” Her words, laced with defiance, quickly spread across platforms, drawing both praise and criticism from the MotoGP community.

Pinto’s outspoken defense of Márquez is not the first time she has stepped into the spotlight to support her partner. Since their relationship became public in May 2023, Pinto has been a visible presence at races, often seen cheering from the paddock. Her Instagram, boasting over 317,000 followers, frequently features glimpses of their life together, from romantic getaways to race-day celebrations. But her latest comments mark a bold escalation, directly challenging Rossi, a figure revered by millions. Fans of Márquez have rallied behind Pinto, applauding her for standing up for the eight-time world champion, while Rossi’s loyal supporters argue that her remarks disrespect a legend whose legacy remains unmatched, with 89 career wins compared to Márquez’s 72.

The feud between Márquez and Rossi, which dates back to the infamous 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix, has long been a lightning rod for controversy. Their on-track clashes and off-track tensions, including a brief handshake in 2016 that failed to mend fences, have kept fans on edge for a decade. Rossi’s recent comments, coupled with Pinto’s response, have only deepened the divide. Adding to the drama, Pinto’s statement comes on the heels of another controversy involving Rossi, where she accused him of mocking Márquez’s family, a claim that remains unverified but has further inflamed the rivalry. Meanwhile, Márquez himself has remained focused on his 2025 campaign, shrugging off the comments and emphasizing his pursuit of a ninth world championship with the factory Ducati Lenovo Team.

The MotoGP community is now abuzz with speculation about how this latest exchange will affect the sport’s dynamics. Rossi’s influence as a team owner and mentor to riders like Pecco Bagnaia means his words carry weight, but Márquez’s resurgence, particularly after his move from Honda to Ducati, has shifted the narrative. His victory in Hungary, coupled with earlier triumphs like the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello—described by Pinto as “taking Rossi’s land”—has solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with. Yet, the personal dimension added by Pinto’s vocal support has brought renewed attention to Márquez’s off-track life, with fans dissecting every post and comment for clues about the couple’s stance.

As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Márquez to see if he can maintain his momentum and silence his critics, including Rossi. For Pinto, her willingness to confront a motorsport icon underscores her role as Márquez’s fiercest advocate, but it also risks further polarizing an already divided fanbase. Whether this latest chapter will lead to reconciliation or escalate tensions remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Márquez-Rossi saga continues to captivate, proving that the drama off the track can be as intense as the battles on it. With the Misano Grand Prix looming, the MotoGP world waits to see how this story unfolds.