The 2025 season of the MotoGP was to say the least electrifying, and the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez added another chapter to the historic rivalry between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez. In a dramatic twist, Rossi, the Italian legend and seven times winner of Jerez, has harshly attacked Marquez, nicknamed him “Crashquez” following a high profile accident during the Grand Prix. Marquez, the star of Ducati Lenovo who dominated most of the 2025 season, remained silent, and his response – or rather his absence – fueled speculation and debates in the MotoGP community.
The accident occurred on Sunday 27 April 2025, during the Spanish Grand Prix, a race that promised to be a decisive moment for the championship. Marquez, who had been the best of the season with seven wins in the first eight rounds and a perfect record in the sprint races, presented himself to Jerez as a favorite. His rhythm had been unparalleled, with pole position and fast laps that became a distinctive sign of his 2025 season. However, the Jerez circuit, known for his technical needs and its legendary history, proved to be an obstacle. Marquez, pushing his Ducati GP25 to the limit, lost control and came out of the race, a rare false step in an otherwise stellar season. The accident gave a significant advantage to his rivals, including teammate Pecco Bagnaia, who struggled to match Marquez’s constancy.
Rossi, now veteran of the paddock and owner of the VR46 Ducati team, has caught the moment. Speaking to the media after the race, he ironized: “Perhaps ‘Crashquez’ should slow down a little, right? Jerez does not forgive the errors”. The comment, imbued with Rossi’s typical wit, was a clear reference to Marquez’s initial accidents and a return to their troubled history, in particular to the notorious 2015 clashes that made their relationship irreparably tense. The observation of Rossi spread to splashing oil, amplified by social media and analyzed by fans and analysts. For many, it was a reminded voltage reminder between the two icons, a rivalry that continues to fascinate the MotoGP audience even if Rossi has moved away from competitions.
Marquez, typically frank and composed in the face of adversity, did not offer any immediate response. His silence was surprising, especially considering his reputation to manage the attention of the media with composure. Some have interpreted it as a sign of frustration, others as a move calculated to avoid aggravating the situation. Sources close to the Ducati Lenovo team suggest that Marquez was deeply disappointed by the accident, which he described as a “error that I cannot afford”. In a short post-gara declaration, he recognized the error, observing: “Twice on Sunday this year: I have to be smarter”. Still, he did not mention Rossi or the nickname “Crashquez”, leaving fans to mirror his mentality.
The accident itself was a crucial moment in the fight for the title of 2025. Marquez’s domain seemed unassailable, with an advantage of 17 points on his brother Alex Marquez and a 26 -point detachment from Bagnaia at the beginning of Jerez. His ability to win avoiding errors was the narrative that defined the season, as highlighted by press bodies such as The Race. However, the Jerez accident, together with a previous accident in Texas, gave hope to his rivals. Bagnaia, who believes that there may be a common problem that influences both his performance and Marquez’s, capitalized the opportunity, although he also encountered difficulties with the balancing of the motorcycle in sprint races due to smaller fuel tanks.
For Rossi, the “Crashquez” comment was more than a simple arrow: it was a strategic move. As the owner of a team and figure who still exerts an immense influence in MotoGP, Rossi knows the weight of his words. By invoking their past, not only has rekindled interest in their rivalry, but also moved part of the attention from the otherwise impeccable season of Marquez. The legacy of the Italian pilot in Jerez, where he holds the record of seven wins, remains unequaled, and his comment has served to remember his lasting presence in sport.
The MotoGP paddock, not extraneous to the dramas, has been at the center of numerous reactions. Some, like the veteran journalist Peter McLaren, who has been following this sport for twenty years, have seen Rossi’s comment as a playful but pungent arrow, reflection of a rivalry that has shaped modern MotoGP. Others, including the Ducati team manager Davide lateozzi, have warned against underestimating Marquez, warning that the thirty -two year old remains “dangerous” and able to recover. In fact, Marquez’s story suggests that it thrives under pressure, and his perfect record in the Sprint race in Jerez – where Fabio Quartararo passed before the latter’s accident – underlines his resilience.
As the season advances, the “Crashquez” saga continues. Marquez’s silence could be temporary, but for now he let Rossi’s words resonate in the world of MotoGP. The Spanish Grand Prix has not only changed the championship ranking, but has also rekindled a narrative that transcends the races: a narrative of pride, tradition and outstanding issues. With the Qatar Grand Prix at the gates, all eyes will be focused on Marquez to see if he reacts on the track or if Rossi’s provocation will continue to throw a shadow on his campaign.
