The eternal confrontation between Valentino Rossi and Marc Márquez has been enriched with a new chapter. During a recent interview, the legendary Doctor launched a subtle but incisive challenge to his historic rival, Marc Márquez, who openly declared that he aims to equal his legendary nine world titles. Rossi, however, added a provocation: “Will he be able to do it before the age of 35?”

Valentino Rossi has always been a reference figure in motorcycling, not only for his titles but also for his competitive longevity. The Doctor achieved his ninth world title in 2009, at the age of 30, a record that Marc Márquez, currently 31, is now aiming to equal.

Rossi did not hide a certain skepticism towards Márquez’s new adventure with Ducati:
“Marc is certainly one of the best ever, but the move to a new team takes time and adaptation. The GP25 is a powerful machine, but we’ll see if he can make the most of it and maintain the consistency needed to win another title.”

With the Ducati Desmosedici GP25, Márquez will have one of the strongest technical packages in the paddock, but also enormous pressure. The expectations of the Ducati fans, combined with the desire to surpass Rossi’s record, represent a double challenge for the Spanish rider.

Márquez, however, calmly responded to Rossi’s provocation:
“Valentino has always been a reference for me. It doesn’t matter when or how, I want to reach his record because it represents the maximum for a rider. If I can do it before I’m 35, it will be fantastic, but for me the focus remains on the title, not on age.”

The Ducati Desmosedici GP25 is seen as a revolutionary bike, with significant improvements in acceleration, aerodynamics and cornering stability. After a 2024 marked by Ducati dominance with Jorge Martín and Pecco Bagnaia, Márquez hopes to use these innovations to deliver another memorable season.

“Ducati has given me a great opportunity. The GP25 is impressive, but the rider always makes the difference. My preparation for 2025 will be fundamental,” said Márquez.

Rossi’s words and Márquez’s determination have divided MotoGP fans. On the one hand, Rossi’s supporters believe that the record of nine titles will remain unbeaten, underlining the uniqueness of the Doctor’s path. On the other, Márquez’s fans see in the Spanish champion the only rider capable of writing a new page in the history of motorcycling.

“Marc is a phenomenon, but Valentino has something that makes him unique: his charisma and the ability to remain competitive for two decades,” commented one fan.

With the new season upon us, the duel between Márquez and the ghost of Valentino Rossi’s record promises to be the central theme of MotoGP 2025. Will Márquez win his ninth title and overtake Rossi before the age of 35? Or will the Doctor’s record still stand?

The answer will only come on the track, but one thing is certain: the legacy of these two giants of motorcycling will continue to inspire generations of riders and fans.