The MotoGP world is in turmoil following recent statements that have shaken the paddock. Gigi Dall’Igna, chief engineer and general manager of Ducati Corse, has issued a public warning to Valentino Rossi, owner of the VR46 team, in response to accusations targeting Álex Márquez for allegedly breaking the rules at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez. This episode has reignited historic tensions and promises to add even more drama to an already unforgettable 2025 season.
The origin of the conflict: Álex Márquez under scrutiny
Gresini Racing rider Álex Márquez, current MotoGP championship leader, has been in the spotlight following his historic victory at the Spanish Grand Prix. His stellar performance at Jerez, where he dominated both the sprint race and the feature race, marked his first premier-class victory at his home circuit. However, the celebration was marred by rumors and accusations coming from Valentino Rossi’s entourage, particularly from Uccio Salucci, the VR46 team principal and a close friend of Rossi’s.
According to sources close to the VR46 team, it has been suggested that Álex Márquez may have violated technical regulations related to tire pressure during the race. These allegations, although not formally presented to the Grand Prix Commission, have generated considerable controversy. Salucci, in statements reported by Italian media, stated: “Everyone is talking about Álex, but there are things that need to be investigated. It’s not just his speed that’s surprising.” These words lit the spark of a new chapter in the rivalry between the Rossi and Márquez brothers.
Ducati’s resounding response
Gigi Dall’Igna was quick to respond to these accusations. In a message posted on his LinkedIn account, the mastermind behind Ducati’s MotoGP dominance vehemently defended Álex Márquez and sent a clear message to the VR46 team. “Álex’s victory at Jerez was historic, well-deserved, and, above all, clean. His solidity, intelligence, and pace were impeccable. Any insinuation of wrongdoing is unacceptable and baseless. I hope certain teams focus on competing on the track and not on generating controversy off it,” Dall’Igna wrote.
This warning not only seeks to protect Álex’s reputation, but also to send a message to Rossi, whose relationship with Ducati has been complex since his time with the factory team in 2011 and 2012. Despite VR46 being a Ducati customer team, tensions between Rossi and the Márquez brothers, especially Marc, have created a delicate dynamic within the Italian brand’s ecosystem.
The background: A historic rivalry
The conflict between Valentino Rossi and the Márquez brothers is not new. Since the infamous Sepang incident in 2015, when Rossi accused Marc Márquez of plotting against him, the rivalry has been a constant in MotoGP. Now, with Álex emerging as a serious title contender and Marc leading the factory Ducati team alongside Pecco Bagnaia, the “Marquista camp” is at its strongest. On the other hand, Rossi, through his VR46 team, remains an influential figure, and his support for riders like Bagnaia and Franco Morbidelli strengthens the “Rossista camp.”
Dall’Igna’s comment also reflects Ducati’s concern about maintaining internal harmony. With Marc Márquez as a star signing for 2025 and Álex leading the championship, the Italian brand can’t afford distractions. Paolo Campinoti, Pramac team boss, had already warned in 2024 that Marc’s arrival could generate “tension in the pits.” Now, the accusations against Álex threaten to further fuel these frictions.
The implications for the championship
The incident at Jerez not only rekindled old wounds, but also has direct implications for the title fight. Álex Márquez, with his consistency and speed, has overtaken his brother Marc in the general classification, racking up six consecutive second-place finishes before his victory in Spain. Meanwhile, Rossi’s protégé, Pecco Bagnaia, has shown flashes of brilliance but has been unable to match the Márquezes’ pace in the opening races of 2025.
Meanwhile, the Grand Prix Commission has announced it will review tire pressure regulations to avoid similar controversies in the future. This decision follows the chaos in Austin, where several penalties for tire irregularities drew criticism. However, until concrete evidence is presented, the accusations against Álex Márquez remain speculative.
The Future: A Civil War at Ducati?
The MotoGP paddock is on the brink of a “civil war” between Ducati teams, as Motorpasion Moto warned following the incident between Álex Márquez and Bagnaia at MotorLand Aragón in 2024. With Rossi and the Márquezes on opposing sides, and Ducati caught in the middle, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most intense in the championship’s recent history.
For now, Álex Márquez remains focused on the track, letting his results speak for themselves. “The best way to respond to criticism is to win,” he declared after his victory at Jerez. Meanwhile, Rossi, from his position as owner of VR46, will have to decide whether to escalate the conflict or seek reconciliation with Ducati. What is clear is that, in MotoGP, passion, rivalry, and drama never cease.
