Valentino Rossi Weighs in on Pecco Bagnaia’s Riding Style: “Aggressive, Not Dirty”; Can Marc Marquez Still Win?
Valentino Rossi, the legendary nine-time World Champion, has never been one to shy away from expressing his opinions about the current state of MotoGP. Recently, he addressed the ongoing debate about the riding style of his protégé, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP World Champion. Bagnaia, who has been under scrutiny for his aggressive riding, especially in close-quarter battles, has Rossi’s full support. “Pecco is aggressive, yes, but not dirty,” Rossi stated emphatically, drawing a line between what he sees as hard racing and unsporting behavior.
Bagnaia, a product of Rossi’s VR46 Academy, has risen to the top of MotoGP with a style that is both thrilling and controversial. Known for his late braking and willingness to engage in tight, elbow-rubbing duels, Bagnaia’s approach has drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s most combative figures. Rossi, who has seen countless riders come and go during his illustrious career, believes that Bagnaia’s aggression is a necessary ingredient for success at the highest level.
“To win in MotoGP today, you need to be aggressive,” Rossi explained. “But Pecco knows the limits. He pushes hard, but he doesn’t cross that line where it becomes dangerous for others. That’s why I say he’s not dirty. He rides on the edge, but he respects his rivals.”
As Rossi speaks highly of Bagnaia, the conversation inevitably turns to another titan of MotoGP—Marc Marquez. The eight-time World Champion, who has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, faces an uphill battle to return to his former glory. Marquez’s riding style, once the gold standard for controlled aggression, now faces challenges from both his physical condition and the evolution of his competitors.
Rossi, who had his own fierce rivalry with Marquez, acknowledges the Spaniard’s difficulties but refuses to count him out. “Marc is one of the greatest, no question,” Rossi said. “He has an incredible fighting spirit, and if anyone can come back from this, it’s him. But it’s not just about physical recovery. The competition has gotten tougher, and riders like Pecco are not going to give him an easy time.”
Marquez’s potential to win again depends on several factors—his ability to regain full fitness, the performance of his bike, and how quickly he can adapt to the new generation of riders who are now setting the pace. While his aggressive style was once unmatched, the question remains whether he can adjust to a grid that includes fearless competitors like Bagnaia.
As MotoGP continues to evolve, the battle for supremacy is increasingly defined by riders who are willing to push the limits. Rossi’s endorsement of Bagnaia’s riding style as “aggressive, not dirty” underscores the fine line that modern riders must walk. Meanwhile, Marquez’s quest to return to the top adds another layer of intrigue to the championship.
For fans of MotoGP, this clash of aggressive styles promises thrilling races and unforgettable moments. Whether Bagnaia can maintain his dominance or Marquez can stage a comeback, one thing is certain—the sport’s future will be shaped by riders who, like Rossi before them, know that to win, you have to ride on the edge.
