The MotoGP world has been set ablaze once again by the enduring rivalry between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez, with Spanish fans taking center stage in the latest chapter of this saga. Rossi, the Italian legend and nine-time world champion, recently made headlines with a bold claim that his protege, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, will prevent Marquez from clinching the 2025 MotoGP title. The statement, delivered with Rossi’s characteristic conviction, has sparked a wave of reactions, particularly from Spanish fans who have taken to social media and forums to mock the Italian’s confidence, reigniting a feud that has simmered since the infamous 2015 Sepang clash.
Rossi’s comments came during a recent interview where he discussed the dynamics of the 2025 MotoGP season, particularly the fierce competition within the Ducati Lenovo Team, where Bagnaia and Marquez are now teammates. Rossi, who mentors Bagnaia through his VR46 Academy, asserted that Bagnaia’s skill and mental fortitude would ensure he outshines Marquez, preventing the Spaniard from matching Rossi’s tally of nine world championships. “Pecco knows how to handle pressure, and he won’t let Marc dominate,” Rossi stated, emphasizing Bagnaia’s ability to counter Marquez’s aggressive riding style. This bold prediction, however, has been met with skepticism and ridicule from Marquez’s passionate Spanish fanbase, who see it as another attempt by Rossi to undermine their hero.
Spanish fans, known for their unwavering support for Marquez, have flooded platforms like X with memes, sarcastic remarks, and videos poking fun at Rossi’s statement. Many referenced the historical tension between Rossi and Marquez, particularly the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix, where Rossi was penalized for contact with Marquez, an incident that cost him a shot at the championship. One popular meme circulating online features a clip of Rossi’s reaction to Marquez’s crash at Jerez in 2025, where he appeared to celebrate, captioned with phrases like, “Still bitter after all these years?” Another fan posted, “Rossi thinks Pecco will stop Marc? He couldn’t stop him in 2015, and now he’s dreaming!” These reactions highlight the deep divide between Rossi’s and Marquez’s supporters, a divide that continues to fuel MotoGP’s most iconic rivalry.
The context of Rossi’s statement is critical. Marquez, now 32, has made a remarkable comeback after years of injury setbacks, dominating early races in the 2025 season on a factory-spec Ducati. His victories in Thailand and other rounds have positioned him as the championship favorite, closing in on Rossi’s record of nine titles. Bagnaia, a two-time champion and Rossi’s protege, has struggled with front-end issues on the GP25, as noted by VR46 team director Alessio Salucci, who acknowledged Marquez’s superior braking prowess. Despite these challenges, Rossi remains confident in Bagnaia’s ability to rise to the occasion, citing his protege’s perfect laps at Jerez, where he outdueled Marquez in a thrilling battle. Rossi’s belief in Bagnaia is not just a mentor’s bias but a strategic narrative to rally Italian fans and pressure Marquez.
However, Spanish fans argue that Rossi’s comments are less about Bagnaia’s potential and more about his unresolved grudge against Marquez. The 2015 season, where Rossi accused Marquez of sabotaging his title bid by aiding Jorge Lorenzo, remains a sore point. Rossi’s recent remarks on a podcast, where he reiterated his belief that Marquez deliberately interfered, have only fueled the fire. Spanish fans point to Marquez’s diplomatic responses, such as his call for mutual effort to mend their relationship, as evidence of his maturity compared to Rossi’s persistent antagonism. “Marc is focused on racing, not drama,” one fan tweeted, contrasting Marquez’s on-track dominance with Rossi’s off-track jabs.
The rivalry’s impact extends beyond the riders to the MotoGP paddock and fanbase. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi has publicly called for Rossi and Marquez to reconcile, urging fans to move past the 2015 controversy. At Mugello, Tardozzi defended Marquez against booing Rossi fans, emphasizing the Spaniard’s contribution to Ducati’s success. Bagnaia, caught in the middle, has maintained a neutral stance, focusing on his performance rather than engaging in the feud. Yet, the tension between Rossi’s VR46 camp and Marquez’s supporters suggests that 2025 will be a season of high drama, both on and off the track.
As the MotoGP season progresses, Spanish fans continue to rally behind Marquez, mocking Rossi’s predictions with confidence in their champion’s ability to prevail. Whether Bagnaia can indeed stop Marquez remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Rossi-Marquez saga continues to captivate the MotoGP world, proving that some rivalries never fade.
