In the high-octane world of MotoGP, where rivalries burn as fiercely as the engines, a new chapter has unfolded in the saga between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi. The latest twist comes not from the track but from a bold and unexpected voice: Gemma Pinto, Marquez’s girlfriend, whose fiery speech targeting Rossi has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community. Following the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme’s (FIM) controversial decision to strip Rossi of one of his nine world championship titles, Pinto’s remarks have reignited a feud that many thought had cooled since Rossi’s retirement in 2021. This dramatic episode, steeped in emotion and history, has fans buzzing and analysts scrambling to unpack its implications.
The FIM’s ruling, announced in September 2024, marked a seismic shift in MotoGP history. According to reports, the governing body revisited a past season and determined that a violation—though specifics remain murky—warranted the removal of one of Rossi’s premier class titles. This decision stunned fans and insiders alike, tarnishing the legacy of a rider widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport’s history. Rossi, known as “The Doctor,” boasts 89 premier class victories and 199 podiums, a record that has defined an era. The sanction, however, has cast a shadow over his achievements, prompting debates about fairness and the integrity of past races. For Rossi’s loyal supporters, the ruling felt like a betrayal; for others, it was a chance to revisit old wounds, particularly those tied to his storied rivalry with Marquez.
Enter Gemma Pinto, the 26-year-old Catalan model and influencer who has been by Marquez’s side since their relationship went public in May 2023. Known for her work with brands like Paco Rabanne and her role as a public relations manager, Pinto has largely stayed out of the MotoGP spotlight, letting Marquez’s on-track exploits take center stage. But the FIM’s decision and Rossi’s subsequent silence prompted her to step into the fray. In a public statement that quickly went viral, Pinto didn’t hold back. “Valentino’s time as a legend is over,” she declared, her words dripping with defiance. “He needs to stop clinging to the past and accept that Marc is rewriting the story of MotoGP.” Her speech, delivered with the confidence of someone unafraid to stir the pot, referenced not only the FIM sanction but also Rossi’s earlier jabs at Marquez, including his use of the mocking nickname “Crashquez” to highlight Marquez’s history of crashes.
The roots of this conflict trace back to 2015, when Rossi and Marquez’s rivalry reached its peak during the Malaysian Grand Prix. A controversial incident saw Rossi accused of causing Marquez to crash, leading to penalties and a bitter fallout that polarized fans. Rossi claimed Marquez was deliberately impeding him to favor another rider, Jorge Lorenzo, while Marquez maintained he was racing fairly. The FIM’s recent decision has reopened these wounds, with Pinto’s speech adding fuel to the fire. Her comments, which some fans hailed as a fierce defense of Marquez and others decried as disrespectful, have sparked heated debates online. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been ablaze with reactions, from those praising Pinto’s loyalty to those accusing her of crossing a line by attacking a retired icon.
Marquez, meanwhile, has remained focused on his 2025 season with Ducati’s factory team, where he’s expected to contend for the championship. His recent performances, including four podiums in nine races with the Gresini team in 2024, signal a return to form after years of injuries and struggles with Honda. Pinto’s vocal support underscores the personal strength Marquez has credited her with, noting in 2023 that she “saved” him during a challenging period. Her speech, however, has drawn criticism from Rossi’s camp, with some suggesting it escalates a rivalry that needs no further stoking. Rossi, now competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship and managing the VR46 Racing Team, has yet to respond publicly, but his history of sharp retorts suggests a reply may be forthcoming.
The MotoGP community is no stranger to drama, but Pinto’s intervention marks a rare moment where a rider’s partner has taken center stage. Her words challenge the sanctity of Rossi’s legacy while championing Marquez’s resilience, reflecting the shifting dynamics of a sport where new stars rise and old legends face scrutiny. As the 2025 season looms, all eyes are on Marquez to deliver on the track and on Rossi to address this latest controversy. Whether this feud will find resolution or spiral further into chaos remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: in MotoGP, the battles off the track can be just as gripping as those on it.
