The British Grand Prix not only produced strong emotions on the track, but also off it. After Marco Bezzecchi’s brilliant victory at Silverstone, reactions were immediate, and one of the most talked-about was that of Marc Márquez. The eight-time world champion didn’t hesitate to congratulate the young Italian rider for his impeccable performance, but his words included a stinging dig that reignited one of the most intense rivalries in modern motorcycling. 

“All winners are respected, except Valentino Rossi,” Márquez declared with a half-smile during a post-GP interview. While many had expected a simple sporting congratulations, the Spanish rider’s remarks sparked a real firestorm on social media and within the MotoGP community. Reactions were quick to follow: some saw it as a display of unfiltered sincerity, while others considered it an unnecessary provocation that reopened old wounds.

The rivalry between Marc Márquez and Valentino Rossi is well known to motorcycling fans. Since that controversial season finale in 2015, when Rossi accused Márquez of favoring Jorge Lorenzo in the title fight, the relationship between the two has been tense, marked by cold gestures, harsh statements, and a clear lack of cordiality. Although time has passed, it seems that for Márquez, some things are neither forgotten nor forgiven.

For his part, Marco Bezzecchi, who belongs to Rossi’s driver academy (VR46), didn’t want to get involved in the controversy. Speaking to the press, he simply expressed his gratitude for Márquez’s recognition: “It’s always an honor to be congratulated by a champion like Marc. I’m happy for this victory; it was a very difficult and special race for me.” His mature attitude avoided further fueling the controversy, although the context of the situation was impossible to ignore.

Social media became a battleground between Márquez supporters and die-hard Valentino Rossi fans. While some celebrated the Spaniard’s openness, others accused him of disrespecting a legend of the sport. Some even called on Dorna, the championship organizers, to promote a public reconciliation between the two to calm the tensions between the two most passionate fan bases in 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 his former rivals. And Marc Márquez, with his words, has made it clear that this rivalry remains alive, at least from his point of view.

With this new spark lit, the MotoGP world is preparing for the next chapter of a story that, it seems, is still far from over.