The rivalry between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez has always been the talk of the town, fueling discussions and speculation about who the real champion is in the MotoGP paddock. But now, with the 2024 season about to come to an end, a new and surprising statement from Rossi has sparked debate among motorcycling fans. Valentino, who has long since left the competition, has not missed an opportunity to launch a harsh criticism of Marc Marquez, accusing him of having made a professional mistake that could seriously compromise his chances of success in the Valencia Grand Prix.

“Marc has always been an incredibly talented rider, but this year he made a mistake that could cost him dearly,” Rossi said in an interview. “I don’t know what’s going through his head, but I think his approach to the Valencia race is completely wrong. He underestimated the complexity of the situation and the pressure that the end of the season brings.”

Rossi’s words are heavy and have sparked a series of reactions, so much so that they have raised many doubts among Marquez fans. The seven-time world champion went on to explain that Marquez, in his opinion, has failed to prepare adequately for the grand finale of the season. “Marc is focusing too much on physical and mental recovery, but he has forgotten how fundamental mental concentration is to face a race like the one in Valencia,” Rossi added. “If he can’t keep calm and manage the pressure, it will be difficult for him to finish successfully.”

Rossi’s reference to a “serious professional error” concerns Marquez’s approach to the season and his approach to the challenges. Marquez, who has had an up-and-down season, has struggled with managing his expectations and has seen his competitiveness undermined by injuries and issues with his bike. Despite this, Marquez has shown incredible mental strength, managing to recover ground and fight for the top spots.

However, Rossi seems to believe that the Spaniard has been missing a crucial element: mental strategy. “In my best period, I learned that MotoGP is not just about speed, but about mental management. When a rider loses his clarity, it’s over,” Rossi said, highlighting how competing in MotoGP is not just about talent, but also about the ability to handle pressure effectively.

Rossi added that Marquez made the mistake of not listening to the advice of veterans. “When I was on the track, I always tried to learn from others, even those who were more experienced than me. But Marc seems too focused on himself and his desire to win at all costs,” he noted. “This attitude could betray him when he least expects it.”

The challenge between Rossi and Marquez has always been fueled by a mix of respect and rivalry. Although Rossi has never hidden his disappointment with some of Marquez’s maneuvers, his recent statements seem to go beyond simple sports judgment, becoming almost a fatherly advice for a young rider who is trying to find himself after years of successes and difficulties.

Marquez, on the other hand, has not yet directly commented on Rossi’s words. But it is clear that the young Spaniard will face the Valencia GP with the awareness that his every move will be closely scrutinized, not only by his fans, but also by an old rival who, with his experience, knows how to read the situation and anticipate possible mistakes.

The Valencia MotoGP is therefore shaping up to be a true generational clash, where Marquez’s talent will have to compete with the experience and wisdom of someone like Rossi, who has lived under the weight of pressure and competitiveness for a long time. Marquez’s fate in the final Grand Prix may not only depend on his speed, but on his ability to overcome the criticism, mental challenges and mistakes that, as Rossi said, could mark the end of a season that promised to be one of the most exciting ever.