Marc Márquez and Valentino Rossi are two names that have marked the history of MotoGP, but not always in harmony. Recently, a curious episode has brought the spotlight back on their relationship, already marked by tensions from the past. Valentino Rossi revealed, in a press conference, that he had received five calls in the middle of the night from Marc Márquez, causing no small amount of discomfort to the nine-time world champion.

“I can’t figure out why,” Rossi reportedly said. “I was fast asleep, and then my phone started ringing. I looked at my watch: it was two in the morning. And not once, but five times in quick succession.”

The episode, according to Rossi, occurred during an important night before a media event. “It was really annoying,” he added. “I’m not as young as I used to be, sleep is fundamental for me.”

Rossi concluded his statement on a tongue-in-cheek note: “If he wanted to talk to me about race strategy or our rivalry, maybe he could have waited until breakfast.”

When asked by journalists, Márquez did not avoid the subject. Visibly embarrassed, he said: “I am truly sorry for what happened. It was not my intention to disturb Valentino, especially in the middle of the night.”

Márquez explained that the calls were not a technical error, but an impulsive decision related to a topic that concerned him. “I was eager to share something important that could affect both of us in the next event. But I didn’t consider the time. It was a stupid mistake on my part,” he admitted.

The episode brought to mind the long-standing rivalry between the two champions. From sparks on the track to vitriolic comments, Márquez and Rossi have never hidden their differences. However, both have acknowledged each other’s talent and dedication on several occasions.

The tension between the two dates back especially to the 2015 season, when a controversial episode during the Malaysian Grand Prix fueled heated discussions among fans and insiders. Since then, the two have maintained a formal relationship, but not without moments of tension.

In this case, however, Márquez chose to deal with the situation with maturity, acknowledging his mistake and trying to defuse the controversy. “There was never any intention to disrespect Valentino. He is a legend of our sport, and my gesture was simply poorly thought out.”

The incident has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some Rossi fans have harshly criticized Márquez, accusing him of disrespecting a rider who has given so much to the MotoGP world. “You don’t disturb a legend at that hour, whatever the reason,” wrote one user on social media.

On the other hand, many Márquez supporters defended the Spanish rider, praising his courage in admitting his mistake publicly. “He apologized immediately, showing humility. It is a gesture that many others would have avoided,” commented one fan on Twitter.

Despite the media hype, the incident could open a new phase in the relationship between the two champions. Rossi has not yet responded directly to Márquez’s apology, but some believe the episode could represent an opportunity to overcome old friction.

“In the end, we are both professionals and we want the best for the sport,” Márquez concluded during the interview. “I hope Valentino accepts my apology. If he wants, I am ready to offer him a breakfast as compensation for the night lost!”

The late-night phone call incident is just the latest chapter in a complex and fascinating relationship between two of MotoGP’s biggest names. While it highlights once again the differences between Rossi and Márquez, it also shows how, despite everything, there is a mutual respect that goes beyond rivalry.

The MotoGP world is eagerly awaiting whether Valentino Rossi will respond to Marc Márquez’s apology and whether this episode will mark a new beginning for their relationship. One thing is certain: even off the track, Márquez and Rossi continue to keep everyone in suspense.