How Marc Marquez reacted when asked if he’s had any ‘further contact’ with MotoGP nemesis Valentino Rossi

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The rivalry between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi has predictably cooled since the latter retired from MotoGP at the end of 2021. But it looks as if the divide will never heal completely.

Rossi is still involved in MotoGP through his VR46 team. But he only attends the paddock sporadically in the midst of his own four-wheel racing commitments.

Ironically, the VR46 riders are trying to learn from Marquez in 2025. The Spaniard has set the standard on the Ducati motorcycle this season.

There was a theory that Rossi could wage a proxy war on Marquez through Ducati factory teammate and close friend Francesco Bagnaia. Some suspected he would mobilise the Italian media against his former nemesis.

But Bagnaia and Marquez have rarely battled in 2025. The former enters the Italian Grand Prix weekend 93 points adrift after just eight races.

Marc Marquez says he’s ‘never’ had contact with Valentino Rossi after MotoGP rivalry

Marquez spoke to Italian newspaper La Repubblica on the eve of the race in Mugello. It was put to him that the sport needs him to find another ‘enemy’.

“My brother Alex: he is second in the standings with 32 points,” Marquez replied. “And Bagnaia is coming back: he was almost there in Aragon, here at Mugello and in Holland he will be very strong. I have great respect for him.”

When interviewer Massimo Calandri replied that ‘it’s not enough’, he explained that the current MotoGP rules don’t lend themselves to intense on-track battles.

“I know motorcycling wants duels, body to body,” he said. “But today, between the rules and the bikes on the track, the opportunities are unfortunately few. In 2027, limitations on technology will be introduced, and perhaps we will return to the essence: overtaking.”

The interview then turned to Rossi, and Marquez was asked whether he’d had any ‘further contact’ with ‘The Doctor’. He gave a one-word reply – ‘never’.

Marquez added that there have been ‘moments of tension’ with the Italian fans since his bitter 2015 scrap with Rossi. But he says their relationship ‘continues to improve’ following his move to the Bologna-based Ducati team.

Marc Marquez’s questionable answer on matching Valentino Rossi’s nine championships

Marquez was booed at Misano last year after taking victory for Gresini. He hasn’t finished on the Mugello podium since a P2 in 2019, so the response from the crowd will be telling this weekend should he end that drought.

While Alex is close enough to still be in contention, Marc is the overwhelming favourite to win what would be a seventh premier-class championship. He would match Rossi on nine Grand Prix titles overall.

However, Marquez insists tying Rossi isn’t his priority. Instead, he’s focused on completing his comeback from his severe 2020 arm injury.

Whether fans believe him or not, the diplomatic answer suggests that he’s eager to repair his relationship with Italian spectators. That’s exactly what Ducati boss Luigi Dall’Igna would want him to do.