Marc Marquez v Valentino Rossi: From friends to enemies – here’s what went wrong

The 2022 Mugello MotoGP kicks off, a track that was heavily dominated by Rossi in the early 2000s. Although Rossi’s success at his home circuit waned in his later years—he failed to win any of the last 12 MotoGP races at Mugello—it remains a venue where he showcased many spectacular performances. Conversely, Mugello has statistically been one of Marquez’s weakest circuits in his MotoGP career since 2013.

Marquez, an eight-time world champion, has struggled to master Mugello, with only one premier class win to his name. However, he has compensated for his weaker performances at Mugello with dominant displays at other circuits like Sachsenring, COTA, Aragon, and Termas.

Both Rossi and Marquez have had some of the most dominant periods in MotoGP history, making them two of the sport’s biggest icons. Despite Rossi’s retirement in 2021 and Marquez’s recent limited success, their legacy in MotoGP remains significant. Their time on the track together was not without its challenges, including a memorable incident in Malaysia.

Marquez, who idolized Rossi as a child, started his MotoGP career with great admiration for the Italian legend. The competitive spark between them was evident from Marquez’s rookie season in 2013, when he won the world championship and followed it up with a dominant 2014 campaign. While their rivalry was intense, it remained respectful until the controversial 2015 season.

In 2015, as Rossi pursued his 10th title, Marquez, riding a difficult Honda, was out of contention but still involved in the championship battle. Tensions escalated after a clash in Sepang, Malaysia, where aggressive moves from both riders culminated in a controversial incident that saw Rossi penalized and starting last in Valencia, effectively costing him the title.

Their rivalry continued with notable incidents in Argentina, both in 2015 and a significant clash in 2018. In 2018, after Marquez stalled his Honda and faced a ride-through penalty, he aggressively charged through the field, leading to a collision with Rossi that resulted in a 30-second penalty for Marquez.

The storied rivalry between Rossi and Marquez has been marked by high-stakes battles, controversial moments, and an undeniable impact on MotoGP history.