The world of MotoGP has long been a stage for fierce rivalries, but few have captured the sport’s attention like the ongoing feud between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez. The latest chapter in their storied animosity unfolded recently when Rossi, the nine-time world champion, made pointed remarks about Marquez, reigniting tensions that have simmered since their infamous 2015 clash. The comments, made during an interview on the Mig Babol podcast hosted by former VR46 Academy rider Andrea Migno, prompted a fiery response from Marquez’s girlfriend, Gemma Pinto, who labeled Rossi a “cowardly clown” for his continued attacks on her partner. Her reaction, shared on social media, has added fuel to a controversy that shows no signs of cooling, even years after Rossi’s retirement from MotoGP in 2021.

The roots of this conflict trace back to the 2015 MotoGP season, a year that remains a raw wound for Rossi and his legion of fans. Rossi, then chasing his tenth world championship, accused Marquez of deliberately interfering in his title fight against Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo. The tension culminated at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang, where a heated on-track battle saw Marquez crash after contact with Rossi. The incident led to Rossi receiving a penalty that forced him to start from the back of the grid in the season’s final race in Valencia, effectively ending his championship hopes. Rossi has since maintained that Marquez conspired to aid Lorenzo, a claim he reiterated in his recent podcast appearance, describing Marquez’s actions as “unforgivable” and accusing him of being “dirtier” than any other motorsport great.

Pinto’s sharp retort came swiftly after Rossi’s comments aired. In a now-viral Instagram post, she wrote, “Valentino Rossi is a cowardly clown. Hiding behind a microphone to throw shade at Marc after all these years? Pathetic.” Her words reflect the frustration felt by Marquez’s inner circle, who view Rossi’s persistent criticism as an attempt to tarnish the Spaniard’s legacy as he continues to chase records with Ducati in the 2025 season. Pinto’s outburst has resonated with Marquez’s fans, who argue that Rossi’s refusal to move on from 2015 paints him as bitter, especially as Marquez, now 32, enjoys a resurgence, recently surpassing Giacomo Agostini’s 68-win milestone.

The 2015 season remains a polarizing topic in MotoGP. Rossi’s supporters point to incidents like the Australian Grand Prix, where they believe Marquez deliberately raced to disrupt Rossi’s title bid rather than dominate the race, as evidence of foul play. They argue that Marquez’s aggressive moves in Sepang were a continuation of this strategy, pushing Rossi to react in a moment of frustration. Conversely, Marquez’s defenders, including Pinto, contend that Rossi’s accusations were baseless and that his actions in Malaysia—where slow-motion replays showed contact but no clear intent to crash Marquez—were unsportsmanlike. They argue that Rossi’s public accusations during the Sepang press conference, where he claimed Marquez was aiding Lorenzo, escalated the situation unnecessarily.

The fallout from 2015 has had lasting effects on both riders’ legacies and the sport itself. Rossi’s massive fanbase, known for its passionate support, has often directed hostility toward Marquez, with boos and jeers greeting him at races like Mugello. Ducati team boss Davide Tardozzi recently called for Rossi and Marquez to “shake hands” to move past the feud, criticizing the “unsportsmanlike” behavior of fans who continue to boo Marquez. However, Rossi’s latest comments suggest reconciliation is unlikely. He described Marquez as pretending to maintain a cordial relationship post-2015 while accusing him of dangerous riding tactics, a narrative that Pinto and Marquez’s supporters vehemently reject.

Marquez, for his part, has taken a more measured approach. In a recent DAZN interview, he acknowledged that resolving the feud would require effort from both sides, stating, “When something doesn’t depend only on you, you can’t say, ‘I have no interest.’” This contrasts with his earlier willingness to make peace, as he noted in 2023 that Rossi’s public attacks felt like “intimidation” and marked a shift in their relationship from mutual respect to indifference. Marquez’s focus remains on his racing, with his 2025 season showcasing his return to form, including a victory at the Czech Grand Prix, bringing his career total to 70 wins.

The Rossi-Marquez saga continues to captivate MotoGP fans, with Pinto’s fiery defense of Marquez highlighting the personal stakes involved. As Marquez climbs the all-time win list, closing in on Rossi’s 89 victories, the rivalry’s echoes persist, fueled by Rossi’s unwillingness to let go of 2015 and the fierce loyalty of those closest to both riders. Whether the two legends will ever find common ground remains uncertain, but for now, the feud remains a defining narrative in MotoGP’s modern era, with no end in sight.