Valentino Rossi ‘would hate’ to see Marc Marquez win MotoGP 2025

Pramac Yamaha boss Paolo Campinoti believes Marc Marquez’s title run could unsettle Valentino Rossi, reigniting their past rivalry.

Marc Marquez of Spain and Ducati Lenovo Team celebrates on the podium after winning the MotoGP race at the MotoGP of Thailand at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, on March 2, 2025. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Marc Marquez’s push for a ninth world title in MotoGP 2025 is a scenario that Valentino Rossi would find difficult to accept, according to Pramac Yamaha owner Paolo Campinoti. The Italian believes that if Marquez wins this season, equaling Rossi’s nine world championships and matching his seven premier-class crowns, it would reopen old wounds from their heated rivalry.

Marquez made a statement at the season opener in Thailand, securing victory in both the Sprint and Grand Prix races, immediately establishing himself as the favorite for the championship. His biggest challenger is expected to be Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia, who finished third in both races and has been part of Rossi’s VR46 Riders Academy since 2014.

Campinoti, whose Pramac Racing team previously served as Ducati’s official satellite outfit before switching to Yamaha, believes Rossi is understandably unsettled by Marquez’s resurgence.

“It’s a cold war, we need someone to solve it,” Campinoti told Corriere della Sera.

“The last person Valentino [Rossi] would like to see win is [Marc] Marquez. This can affect the climate a little, the general serenity. But it’s normal, it’s an open wound.”

Marquez vs. Bagnaia: Ducati’s internal title fight

While Marquez’s dominance in Thailand set the tone for the season, Campinoti believes the championship fight remains balanced between him and Bagnaia.

“They are two [top riders], [Francesco] Bagnaia is much more reserved, but he is incredible,” Campinoti said.

“Marc is a cannibal. On the same level, they will decide the desire to win and the balance inside the garage. I hope everything goes well, but it is not a given.”

Marquez’s aggressive, all-or-nothing approach has earned him a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors in MotoGP history. Bagnaia, by contrast, is known for his calculated, consistent performances, making their battle within the Ducati garage one of the most intriguing storylines of the season.

Ducati’s Marquez decision led to Pramac’s Yamaha switch

Campinoti also admitted that Ducati’s choice to sign Marquez over reigning champion Jorge Martin played a role in Pramac’s decision to leave Ducati for Yamaha.

“Gigi [Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse general manager] is a genius,” Campinoti explained. “He felt gratified to have the strongest rider of recent years.

“Marc has completely questioned himself for him, he gave in after a very long courtship. Gigi is a bit of an engineer-playboy.

“I would not have made this decision, but I understand it. This choice also made me lean towards Yamaha.”

Pramac had long been a crucial part of Ducati’s success, nurturing young talent and developing future factory riders. However, Campinoti felt the team’s role diminished once Ducati prioritized bringing in a high-profile star like Marquez.

“I was part of a project: I took the younger riders to make them grow. So I felt a little out of place,” he said.

“From a point of reference for Ducati, I became one of many. With Yamaha, we have regained centrality.”

A rivalry reignited?

The lingering tension between Rossi and Marquez dates back to their infamous clashes in the mid-2010s, with the peak of their feud coming during the controversial 2015 season. Their strained relationship has remained a talking point in MotoGP ever since, and if Marquez mounts a successful title bid in 2025, it could further revive one of the sport’s most intense rivalries.

With Marquez determined to add another championship to his legacy and Bagnaia aiming to defend Ducati’s dominance, the season promises to be an intense battle. However, as Campinoti suggests, Rossi will be watching closely—and likely hoping that Marquez falls short.