Valentino Rossi responds to “Crashquez” nickname after Marc Marquez warns that Rossi’s LEGEND title is indanger.
As of March 09, 2025, the MotoGP world is once again electrified by the enduring rivalry between two of its greatest icons: Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez. The latest chapter unfolded this week when Marquez, the eight-time world champion, issued a bold warning ahead of the 2025 season, set to kick off on March 23 in Qatar. Speaking confidently about his ambitions with the factory Ducati team, Marquez declared, “Hey old man, stay home and watch me race and win those titles,” a direct jab at Rossi’s legendary status and his record of nine world championships. Rossi, now 46 and retired from MotoGP since 2021, didn’t let the provocation slide. Responding on March 08 during an interview with Italian media, he addressed Marquez’s taunt and the Spaniard’s infamous “Crashquez” nickname, reigniting a feud that has captivated fans for over a decade.
Marquez’s comments came as he prepares to chase a ninth title, which would tie him with Rossi’s haul—seven of which were in the premier class. After a triumphant 2024 season with Gresini Racing, where he clinched the MotoGP championship on a Ducati, Marquez’s move to the factory Ducati squad alongside Francesco Bagnaia signals his intent to dominate. His warning to Rossi wasn’t just about titles; it was a challenge to the Italian’s legacy as the sport’s most celebrated figure. Rossi, whose influence extends beyond his 115 grand prix wins through his VR46 team and academy, responded with characteristic wit. “Crashquez, huh? I’ve heard that one before,” he said, referencing the moniker Marquez earned for his crash-prone early career. “Marc’s always been good at talking—and crashing—but let’s see if he can back it up without falling off.”
The “Crashquez” nickname harks back to Marquez’s aggressive style, which often saw him pushing the limits, sometimes to his detriment. Yet, Rossi’s retort wasn’t just a dig at past spills; it was a reminder of their storied clashes, most notably the infamous 2015 Sepang incident. That year, Rossi accused Marquez of sabotaging his title bid to favor Jorge Lorenzo, culminating in a collision that saw Marquez crash and Rossi penalized, ultimately costing him a tenth championship. The bad blood has simmered ever since, with Rossi recently doubling down on his stance in a 2024 podcast, calling Marquez’s actions “unforgivable.” Marquez, now 32 and in peak form, seems unfazed, using Rossi’s legacy as fuel. “I grew up idolizing Valentino,” he admitted last month, “but now it’s my time to take what’s mine.”
Rossi’s response also touched on Marquez’s 2025 prospects. “He’s on the best bike, sure,” Rossi conceded, nodding to Ducati’s recent dominance. “But titles aren’t won by talking. I’ve raced him, I know what he’s capable of—on the track and in the mind games.” Rossi’s words carry weight; he bested a prime Marquez in 2015 at age 36, only to lose the title in Valencia amid their feud. Now, as owner of the VR46 team, which fields riders like Marco Bezzecchi on Ducati machinery, Rossi remains a formidable presence. Some speculate his comments are a psychological jab, aimed at unsettling Marquez as he faces stiff competition from Bagnaia, the 2022 champion, and Jorge Martin, the 2024 runner-up now with Aprilia.
The 2025 season promises fireworks, with Marquez’s Ducati move amplifying the stakes. His 2024 resurgence—winning multiple races after years of injury setbacks—proved his resilience, but Rossi’s legacy looms large. With 89 premier-class victories to Marquez’s 45, the Spaniard has ground to cover, though his youth gives him time. Rossi, meanwhile, isn’t racing but isn’t silent either. “Marc wants to be the greatest? He’s got to earn it, not just say it,” he quipped, hinting at the mental warfare that defined their rivalry. Fans on X are split—some hail Marquez’s bravado, others defend Rossi’s untouchable status, with one writing, “Valentino’s a legend; Marc’s just a pretender until he matches those numbers.”
As the Qatar opener nears, Marquez’s warning and Rossi’s retort set the stage for a narrative that transcends the track. Rossi may be watching from the sidelines, but his shadow stretches over MotoGP. Marquez, dubbed “Crashquez” by detractors, has evolved into a calculated force, yet the question lingers: can he eclipse Rossi’s legend without crashing under the pressure? The 2025 season will tell, but for now, Rossi’s response ensures their saga remains as thrilling off the circuit as it once was on it.
