Rossi once refused to shake Marquez's hand at MotoGP Argentina

The heated moment between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez at the 2019 Argentina MotoGP remains a talking point as the 2025 race approaches.

Marc Marquez of Spain shakes hands with Danilo Petrucci of Italy during a press conference ahead of the Argentina Grand Prix at Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit in Santiago del Estero Province, Argentina, on April 5, 2018. Photo by Juan Mabromata/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

MotoGP Argentina holds a rich history of fierce battles, but one of its most talked-about moments remains the intense incident between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez in 2019. The dramatic encounter saw Rossi suffer a crushing defeat and ultimately refuse to shake hands with Marquez on the podium. As the 2025 edition of the race at the Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit approaches, the lingering tension from that moment resurfaces.

The upcoming Argentina MotoGP, set for March 14-17, 2025, will see Marquez as the only remaining contender from that infamous 2019 clash. Rossi has since retired, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with his long-standing rivalry with Marquez.

The unforgettable 2019 Argentina MotoGP

The 2019 Argentina MotoGP was not marked by a head-to-head fight for victory but instead showcased Marquez’s absolute dominance. The Spaniard started from pole position and quickly distanced himself from the rest of the field. By the time he crossed the finish line, he had built a staggering 12-second lead over his nearest competitor.

The real battle took place behind him, where Andrea Dovizioso, then with Ducati, and Valentino Rossi, representing Yamaha, engaged in a thrilling fight for second place. The two MotoGP veterans exchanged positions multiple times, pushing their limits in pursuit of a strong podium finish.

Rossi ultimately emerged victorious in that duel, securing second place ahead of Dovizioso, who settled for third. However, despite his podium finish, Rossi trailed Marquez by 9.8 seconds. Adding to the sting, Marquez had eased off in the final laps, knowing his lead was unassailable.

The podium tension that shocked MotoGP fans

Valentino Rossi of Italy and Yamaha celebrates as runner-up alongside race winner Marc Marquez of Spain and Honda on the podium of the Argentina MotoGP Grand Prix at Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, on March 31, 2019. Photo by Juan Mabromata/AFP

While the race itself was largely straightforward for Marquez, the aftermath provided one of the most memorable off-track moments in MotoGP history. As the riders prepared for the podium ceremony, Marquez extended a handshake toward Rossi—a gesture of sportsmanship that was met with cold reluctance.

Rossi’s refusal to reciprocate sent shockwaves through the MotoGP paddock. The moment was widely interpreted as evidence that the tensions between the two riders had not yet dissipated. Their rivalry had already reached a boiling point the previous year during the 2018 Argentina MotoGP, where Marquez made contact with Rossi in wet conditions, causing the Italian to crash.

Although the 2019 race did not see any direct clashes between them, the rivalry remained palpable. Rossi’s unwillingness to shake Marquez’s hand reinforced the notion that their competitive animosity was still alive.

A new chapter in MotoGP Argentina

Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape of MotoGP has changed significantly. Rossi retired at the end of 2021, closing the curtain on one of the sport’s most illustrious careers. Meanwhile, Marquez continues to compete at the highest level, now racing for Ducati Lenovo—a move that has reignited his championship ambitions.

As MotoGP Argentina 2025 draws near, Marquez once again finds himself as a strong contender. The Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit has historically been a favorable track for him, having secured three victories there before the start of the 2025 season.

Despite Rossi’s absence from the grid, his legacy and his fierce battles with Marquez remain deeply embedded in MotoGP history. Fans still recall the intensity of their rivalry, particularly moments like the one witnessed in Argentina six years ago.

MotoGP Argentina 2025: A proving ground for Marquez

While the controversy of 2019 lingers in the minds of MotoGP enthusiasts, Marquez is fully focused on the present. With Ducati Lenovo, he is determined to capitalize on his past successes at Termas de Rio Hondo and strengthen his position in the championship standings.

The upcoming race will be a crucial test for him, especially after a strong showing in the season opener in Thailand. Marquez’s performance in Argentina could set the tone for the remainder of the season as he looks to reclaim his place at the pinnacle of the sport.

As the 2025 Argentina MotoGP approaches, fans will undoubtedly reflect on the drama that once unfolded between Rossi and Marquez on this very track. Whether or not the current grid can deliver a spectacle of similar magnitude, the echoes of past rivalries continue to shape the narrative of the sport.