MotoGP, has Marc Marquez put an end to the diatribe with Valentino Rossi?

2024 is set to be a particularly important year for some of the stars of MotoGP, not least Marc Marquez, who embarks on an adventure with team Gresini and will be back aboard the Ducati during the Sepang winter tests in February. There are a number of unknowns as the eight-time champion takes on this latest challenge, one that represents a turning point in his legendary career – from his competitiveness with the bike, a doubt that looks to be have been laid to rest already during the Valencia test at the end of the 2023 season, to his physical stamina, for a rider who has undergone four surgeries in the last three years. If Marquez is able to marry his talents with the (winning) characteristics of the Borgo Panigale bike, then the result could be more than a little worrying for his rivals, and reassuring for the Spaniard himself, who is keen to set new records.

Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi’s record

Marquez has never hidden the fact that one of his main goals is to match, or beat, the nine world titles held by Valentino Rossi, his point of reference in the early days and his fiercest rival after the 2015 debacle that had perhaps an irreparable effect on the relationship: “For now I don’t think I’ll be matching Rossi’s record because I’m far from my level. And I can’t head into next season thinking about winning the title. It’s already been two years since I won as much as a race. With that in mind, I can’t say that I’m aiming high. First I need to build confidence, lay the foundations, then try to be faster and improve in future.”

Marc Marquez: "Valentino Rossi the greatest in MotoGP"

While speaking to TalkSport, the latest Ducati hire was as complimentary as he was sporting in reference to Valentino Rossi, elevating him to a status that puts him even higher than the Spaniard himself: "Valentino Rossi was one of the greatest riders, the greatest rider in MotoGP. He’s a real legend”. The Spaniard then cited two more champions, creating a tight circle of those he rates most highly: "Giacomo Agostini is another legend, Mick Doohan another… All the riders who win a championship are super-riders. Some are lucky with injuries, others less so. Some of them have managed the situation well. It’s an honour to see my name among these legends”.