MotoGP: Valentino Rossi Calls Out Ducati for Marc Marquez Signing – ‘A Joke’
Valentino Rossi, one of MotoGP’s most iconic figures, has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. Recently, the seven-time premier class World Champion made headlines once again, this time for his sharp criticism of Ducati’s decision to sign Marc Marquez for the 2024 season. In a candid interview, Rossi called the move “a joke,” sparking widespread debate in the MotoGP community.
Rossi, who spent his final seasons in MotoGP with Yamaha and Petronas SRT after an unsuccessful stint with Ducati from 2011 to 2012, did not mince words when asked about Marquez’s switch to the Italian manufacturer. “Ducati signing Marc is a joke,” Rossi stated bluntly. “I understand they want to win, but this feels like they’re selling out to the very rider who made life miserable for them and the rest of the grid for years.”
Rossi’s reference to Marquez’s dominance is clear. The Spaniard has been a thorn in the side of many teams and riders, including Rossi himself, who had several high-profile clashes with Marquez during his career. The most infamous of these was the controversial incident at the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix, where Rossi accused Marquez of deliberately interfering with his championship campaign. The animosity between the two has lingered ever since, making Rossi’s comments on the Marquez-Ducati partnership all the more pointed.
Ducati’s decision to sign Marquez has been hailed by some as a masterstroke, a move designed to secure the world title they have been chasing since Casey Stoner’s triumph in 2007. Marquez, with his six MotoGP titles and reputation as one of the most aggressive and talented riders in the sport’s history, is seen as the missing piece in Ducati’s puzzle.
However, Rossi’s critique touches on a sentiment shared by a segment of the MotoGP fanbase: that Ducati’s reliance on Marquez might overshadow the achievements of their current riders and disrupt the team’s balance. Ducati has invested heavily in developing young talent like Francesco Bagnaia, who won the 2022 World Championship, and Enea Bastianini. Rossi’s comments suggest that the signing of Marquez could undermine this long-term strategy.
Rossi’s experience with Ducati adds weight to his criticism. The Italian legend joined Ducati with great fanfare in 2011, but his time with the team was marred by poor results and a bike that he struggled to tame. Rossi’s difficulties at Ducati were well-documented, and his eventual departure in 2013 was a relief for both parties. For Rossi, Marquez’s arrival at Ducati likely brings back memories of his own struggles and reinforces his skepticism about whether Ducati’s gamble will pay off.
Moreover, Rossi has always been a rider who values the spirit of competition and the importance of rider development. He famously nurtured the careers of several young talents through his VR46 Academy, and his criticism of Ducati’s Marquez signing may stem from a belief that the focus should be on cultivating new talent rather than relying on established superstars.
Rossi’s comments have inevitably sparked a wide range of reactions from the MotoGP community. Fans of Marquez see the signing as a thrilling new chapter in his career, one that could lead to a historic partnership between rider and manufacturer. Meanwhile, supporters of Rossi and his perspective argue that Ducati’s move risks alienating their loyal riders and disrupting the team dynamic.
Ducati, for their part, has defended the decision, with team principal Luigi Dall’Igna stating, “Marc is a winner, and we believe he can take us to the next level. His track record speaks for itself, and we’re excited about what he can bring to the team.”
Marquez, too, responded to the criticism, saying, “I respect Valentino’s opinion, but I’m focused on the challenge ahead. Ducati is an incredible team, and I’m here to win. That’s what matters.”
Valentino Rossi’s candid remarks about Ducati’s signing of Marc Marquez have added a new layer of intrigue to the upcoming MotoGP season. As the sport continues to evolve, Rossi’s voice remains influential, and his skepticism reflects the broader uncertainty about whether Marquez can replicate his Honda success on a Ducati.
For Ducati, the stakes are high. If Marquez delivers, the partnership could become one of the most successful in MotoGP history. But if the gamble fails, Rossi’s critique may prove prophetic, and Ducati could face difficult questions about their strategy and the direction of the team.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Marquez and Ducati to see if they can silence the doubters—including one of MotoGP’s greatest legends, Valentino Rossi.
