MOTOGP NEWS: Valentino Rossi shocked in a recent interview when he pointed out 4 POINTS that Quartararo cannot compare with Bagnaia and made a surprising request to Yamaha for Quartararo !!
In a candid and revealing interview, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi sent shockwaves through the paddock with his bold assessment of Fabio Quartararo’s performance compared to his protégé, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. The nine-time world champion didn’t hold back, outlining four critical areas where he believes Quartararo falls short of Bagnaia, while also issuing an unexpected demand to Yamaha regarding their star rider. Rossi’s remarks, made as he continues to influence the sport through his VR46 Riders Academy and team, have sparked heated discussions among fans and analysts about the future of both riders and Yamaha’s MotoGP ambitions.
Rossi, whose storied career includes 89 MotoGP race wins and a lasting legacy as one of the sport’s greatest, began by addressing Quartararo’s struggles in the 2025 season. Despite the Frenchman’s impressive pole positions, including a track record-breaking performance at the British Grand Prix, Rossi argued that Quartararo lacks the consistency needed to challenge for the championship. He pointed out that while Quartararo has shown flashes of brilliance, such as his pole hat-trick at Silverstone, his inability to convert these into consistent podiums or race wins highlights a gap in racecraft. Quartararo’s crash in the Aragon MotoGP, attributed to “strange” problems, was cited as an example of his struggles under pressure, a trait Rossi believes Bagnaia handles better.
The second point Rossi raised was adaptability. Bagnaia, a two-time MotoGP champion, has demonstrated an ability to adjust his riding style to suit Ducati’s challenging GP25 bike, despite its mismatch with his strengths. Rossi emphasized that Bagnaia’s capacity to analyze and adapt to technical difficulties has been crucial to his success, even in a season where he trailed Marc Marquez by 31 points after the opening rounds. Quartararo, on the other hand, has struggled to extract consistent performance from Yamaha’s M1, particularly when mechanical issues like the ride height device failure at Silverstone derailed his chances. Rossi suggested that Quartararo’s reliance on perfect conditions limits his ability to compete at the highest level.
Mental resilience was the third area where Rossi believes Bagnaia outshines Quartararo. Drawing from his own experience, Rossi noted that Bagnaia’s ability to stay composed in high-stakes battles, such as his qualifying triumph over Marquez at the British Grand Prix, reflects a champion’s mindset. Quartararo, while talented, has shown moments of emotional vulnerability, such as his reported tears after the British GP setback. Rossi argued that this emotional intensity, while relatable, can hinder Quartararo’s ability to maintain focus over a grueling 20-race season.
The fourth and perhaps most controversial point was Rossi’s critique of Quartararo’s strategic approach to racing. He suggested that Bagnaia’s tactical acumen, honed through years of mentorship at the VR46 Academy, allows him to manage races and rivalries more effectively. Rossi hinted at his own past rivalries, particularly with Marc Marquez, advising Bagnaia to avoid “falling into traps” set by competitors. Quartararo, according to Rossi, lacks this strategic depth, often prioritizing outright speed over calculated race management, which has cost him valuable points.
Perhaps the most surprising element of Rossi’s interview was his unexpected demand to Yamaha regarding Quartararo. Acknowledging Yamaha’s struggles to reclaim their former dominance, Rossi urged the manufacturer to make a bold move by pairing Quartararo with a second elite rider to accelerate their revival. Citing rumors from Italian media, Rossi suggested that Yamaha should target a rider of Bagnaia’s caliber, describing him as a “forbidden dream” for the team. This demand underscores Rossi’s belief that Quartararo alone cannot restore Yamaha to its past glory, a sentiment echoed by reports that Yamaha views a second top rider as essential to their ambitions.
Rossi’s comments come at a pivotal moment for MotoGP. With Marc Marquez dominating early 2025 races and closing in on Rossi’s record of nine world titles, the pressure is mounting on both Bagnaia and Quartararo to deliver. While Bagnaia has benefited from Rossi’s guidance and the VR46 Academy’s data-driven insights, Quartararo faces the challenge of carrying Yamaha’s hopes single-handedly. Rossi’s critique, while harsh, reflects his deep understanding of the sport and his desire to see both riders push their limits.
As the 2025 season progresses, Rossi’s words will likely fuel debates about Quartararo’s potential and Yamaha’s strategy. Will Quartararo rise to the challenge and prove his mentor wrong, or will Bagnaia continue to cement his status as Rossi’s heir? One thing is certain: Rossi’s influence, both on and off the track, remains as potent as ever.
