Great Britain’s Grand Prix not only unleashed strong emotions on the track, but also outside it. After the brilliant victory of Marco Bezzecchi in Silverstone, the reactions did not wait, and one of the most commented was that of Marc Márquez. The eight -time world champion did not hesitate to congratulate the young Italian pilot for his impeccable performance, but his words included a pulla scath that revived one of the most intense rivalries of modern motorcycling.

“All winners are respected, except Valentino Rossi,” Márquez said with a half smile during an interview after the GP. Although many expected a simple sports congratulation, the words of the Spanish pilot unleashed a real controversy on social networks and in the MotoGP community. The reactions did not wait: some interpreted it as a sample of sincerity without capujos, while others considered it an unnecessary provocation that reopened old wounds.

The rivalry between Marc Márquez and Valentino Rossi is well known by motorcycling fans. Since that controversial season of 2015, when Rossi accused Márquez of favoring Jorge Lorenzo in the fight for the title, the relationship between the two has been tense, marked by cold gestures, hard statements and a clear lack of cordiality. Although time has passed, it seems that for Márquez there are things that are not forgotten or forgive.

For its part, Marco Bezzecchi, a member of the Rossi Pilot Academy (VR46), did not want to get involved in the controversy. In statements to the press, he simply thanked Márquez’s recognition: «It is always an honor to be congratulated by a champion as Marc. I am happy for this victory; It was a very difficult and special career for me ». His maturity avoided entertaining the controversy, although the context of the situation was undeniable.

Social networks became a battlefield between the followers of Márquez and the unconditional fans of Valentino Rossi. While some celebrated the frankness of Spanish, others accused him of missing the legend of sport. Some even asked Dorna, the organization of the championship, to promote public reconciliation between the two to calm the tensions between the two most passionate hobbies of the paddock.

What is clear is that, despite the passage of time, the figure of Valentino Rossi continues to generate intense emotions, both among his fans and among his former rivals. And Marc Márquez, with his words, has made it clear that this rivalry is still alive, at least from his point of view.