The rivalry between Valentino Rossi and Marc Márquez, one of the most heated in the history of MotoGP, has returned to inflame with new sparks in 2025. After Márquez, fresh from his transition to the official Ducati team, said that the title of “legend” of Rossi is at risk, the doctor responded with his typical mix of irony and determination, also facing the nickname “Crashquez” that some critics use for Spanish. The recent statements, reported by Gazzetta.it and X in April 2025, rekindled the debate between the fans, with Rossi defending his status and Márquez aiming to overcome the record of the nine times world champion.
The origin of this new tension dates back to an interview by Márquez at the Qatar Grand Prix, where he opened the 2025 season with an overwhelming victory. Speaking with Eurosport, Márquez suggested that his goal is to beat Rossi records, including the 199 podiums and the 9 world titles, affirming: “Valentino is a legend, but the records are made to be overcome.” This provocation, perceived as a direct challenge, prompted Rossi to respond during the 100 km of the champions in Tavullia. With a smile, Rossi said, according to Corriere.it: “Crashquez? Marc has always been aggressive, but I’m still here. The legend is not touched.” The nickname “Crashquez”, used to highlight the driving style to the limit of Márquez, was taken up by Rossi with a tone that mixes ridicule and respect.
Márquez’s 2025 season began overwhelmingly. With Ducati, he dominated the first races, winning in Qatar and showing a form that recalls his golden years with Honda. Motociclismo.pt reports that Márquez conquered Podi in all the first five races, approaching Rossi’s 199. However, his aggressive style continues to divide. Some, as reported on Insella.it, accuse him of incorrectness, citing episodes such as contact with Rossi in Argentina in 2018, which cost the Spaniard a penalty. Rossi himself, in a podcast of Mig Babol in 2024, defined Márquez “the dirtier pilot” for his behavior in 2015, when, according to Rossi, Márquez ran to encourage Lorenzo and deny him the tenth title.
Despite the controversies, Márquez has avoided feeding further conflicts. In Thailand, as reported by Corsedimoto.com, he said: “I don’t run to remove points to anyone, I always give 100%.” Its concentration seems to be on the results, with three wins in the last six great prizes of 2024 and a place in the official team Ducati next to Pecco Bagnaia. Rossi, for his part, despite being withdrawn, remains a central figure in motorcycling. As a mentor of the VR46 Riders Academy, he follows pilots such as Bagnaia and Bezzecchi, who sees as rivals of Márquez. During an interview with Sky Sport, Rossi warned: “Marc in Ducati is a danger, but Pecco is ready to fight.”
The rivalry between the two has deep roots, especially in 2015, when the duel in Malaysia culminated with the fall of Márquez after a contact with Rossi. Rossi, penalized, lost the title, an episode he has never digested, as told on Fanpage.it. The fans remain divided: on X, some praise Márquez for his talent, while others defend Rossi, accusing the Spanish of playing dirty. Márquez’s mother, interviewed by Gazzetta.it, defined the euphoria for the possible 2025 “dangerous” title, while the legendary Giacomo Agostini praised Márquez as “perfect” for Ducati.
While Márquez chases Rossi records, the doctor maintains an unparalleled influence. Michele Pirro, Ducati test driver, declared on Intopic.it that without reds, pilots like Márquez would not have achieved this fame. This recognition underlines the weight of Rossi’s legend, which transcends the numbers. The 2025 season promises to be a arena where Márquez will try to consolidate his status, while Rossi, albeit off the track, will defend his myth. The words exchanged between the two, charged with respect and provocation, promise to keep the tension high, with the fans ready to support their hero in this epic battle for the crown of “legend” of the MotoGP.
