Fighting Make Lose: Rossi Reopens Wounds as Marquez Looms
Valentino Rossi has never been a man to let sleeping dogs lie, and his latest television appearance proves the fire still burns. Specifically, the Italian legend used a promotional interview for his new autobiography to revisit the infamous 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix, accusing Marc Marquez of fighting make lose rather than racing for victory. Consequently, one of MotoGP’s most bitter feuds has erupted once more, just as Marquez stands on the brink of surpassing Rossi’s greatest records at the upcoming Portuguese Grand Prix.
The timing could hardly be more dramatic. Moreover, Marquez arrives in Portimao holding a commanding 60-point championship lead over Jorge Martin, with only two rounds remaining. Should the Spaniard leave the Algarve circuit at least 37 points clear of his nearest rival, he will clinch an eighth premier-class title and a tenth world championship overall, moving one ahead of Rossi in both categories. In addition, the Honda-to-Ducati transition that once seemed risky now looks like the masterstroke of a career defined by ruthless efficiency.
Meanwhile, the paddock has been anything but quiet. Aprilia’s Jorge Martin battled through fractured ribs and a punctured lung sustained at Lusail, delivering a gritty performance that underlined his resilience. Besides, MotoGP deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta declined to comment on potential sanctions for Yamaha after the manufacturer withdrew both its teams, including Australian rider Jack Miller, from the contentious Qatar event.
Fighting Make Lose: Rossi’s Raw Admission on 2015 Sepang Clash
Speaking on Italian television, Rossi held nothing back. Notably, he described the Sepang battle as “absurd” and admitted the memory still stings more than a decade later. “He was only fighting to make me lose, and in the end, he succeeded,” Rossi said. “That’s something that really doesn’t go away.” Furthermore, the seven-time MotoGP champion confessed that his emotional state when recalling that night in Valencia remains unchanged, a realization he finds troubling.
Tactically, the 2015 controversy centred on Rossi’s belief that Marquez deliberately disrupted his title fight with Jorge Lorenzo, prompting the infamous on-track confrontation that saw Marquez crash and Rossi demoted to the back of the grid for the finale. As a result, Lorenzo claimed the crown. Similarly, Rossi’s autobiography, ‘My Story’, launches in Italy this week, ensuring the wounds stay fresh. However, Marquez has largely moved on, letting his results speak.
Records in Sight as Marquez Closes on Rossi’s Legacy
Historically, the numbers tell a compelling story. In 372 MotoGP starts between 2000 and 2021, Rossi collected 89 premier-class victories and seven titles. In contrast, Marquez, who made his 224th top-flight appearance in Qatar, secured his 80th MotoGP win in Malaysia one round earlier. Therefore, an eighth crown would mark consecutive championships for Ducati, matching Francesco Bagnaia’s achievement.
Notably, Marquez’s first title came as a 20-year-old rookie in 2013, and thirteen years later he stands poised to eclipse the man he once idolised. Indeed, the symmetry is striking. Similarly, the psychological dimension adds intrigue, given Rossi’s protégé Bagnaia remains Marquez’s factory teammate.
Ultimately, the Portuguese Grand Prix will decide whether Marquez writes the next chapter of this rivalry on his own terms. However, Rossi’s words ensure the emotional undercurrent never fades. For fans, the spectacle is irresistible: a legend defending his legacy while a rival chases history. As a result, all eyes turn to Portimao, where triumph and heartbreak await in equal measure.
