Casey Stoner weighed in on the enduring Valentino Rossi vs Marc Marquez rivalry and claimed one of the conflicting parties is to blame for the controversial spat that has dominated headlines since 2015 MotoGP season.
The two-time MotoGP world champion shared his insights during an episode of the Ducati Diaries podcast, providing a fresh perspective on a conflict that has been the subject of heated debate for nearly a decade.
Casey Stoner’s remarks come in the wake of ongoing discussions about the infamous 2015 MotoGP season, where the Valentino Rossi vs Marc Marquez rivalry was hatched after tensions between the two reached a boiling point.
The championship that year was marred by controversy, culminating in a series of on-track incidents that left both riders at odds. Rossi ultimately lost the title to Jorge Lorenzo, but he has consistently maintained that Marquez played a significant role in undermining his championship bid.
This belief has fueled animosity between the two riders, making their rivalry one of the most contentious in motorsport history.
In his latest comments, Casey Stoner does not shy away from assigning blame for the feud. He asserts that while Marquez has indeed faced criticism for his aggressive riding style and tactics, it was Rossi who instigated the conflict.
“Marc [Marquez], to a certain degree, deserved his criticism. He tried to get in there,” Stoner explained, acknowledging Marquez’s role in the escalating tensions.
However, he quickly pivots to emphasize that “people forget that Valentino [Rossi] started it.” This assertion challenges the narrative that paints Marquez as the sole antagonist in this saga.
“Even though people blame Marc for the whole thing people forget that Valentino [Rossi] started it,” Stoner adds. “Marc’s Marc, we’ve watched him do that all through his racing, and then Valentino started a war of words.
Stoner’s analysis delves into the dynamics of their relationship prior to the feud. He recalls how both riders enjoyed a friendly rapport before Rossi initiated what he describes as a “war of words.”
According to the retired Australian MotoGP racer, this shift marked a turning point in their interactions, leading to an escalation of hostilities that would define the Valentino Rossi vs Marc Marquez rivalry for years to come.
“They were all friends, and all the rest of it, then Valentino started something, and then Marc retaliated because he didn’t like it,“ he said. “And then of course everybody blows up about that, forgetting that Valentino went and poked the bear.”
The former champion further elaborates on the implications of Rossi’s approach during this tumultuous period. He suggests that Rossi made a tactical error by provoking someone as formidable as Marquez.
“If somebody rides aggressively, and you know that they’re capable of that don’t go and think you’re above them, to scare them out of it – you’re not going to scare someone like Marc Marquez out of it,” Stoner said.
“So, all he’s done, during a championship year that he potentially could have won again, is literally poke the worst rider on the grid to poke: someone that can beat you, someone that’s faster than you, and someone that can potentially take you out of a race or a championship.”
Casey Stoner’s comments resonate with many fans who have followed MotoGP closely over the years. The Valentino Rossi vs Marc Marquez rivalry is not merely about racing; it encapsulates broader themes of respect, rivalry, and psychological warfare within the sport.
Stoner notes that Rossi was adept at playing mind games with his competitors during his peak years. However, he argues that this strategy became less effective as new talent emerged in MotoGP.
“I think when Valentino was at his height – before myself, Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo got there – he used to be able to get in the minds of the riders around him, and I still think he believed that that happened,” Stoner said.
“But all he did when we were there, the younger generation I suppose, was strengthen us. We’d learnt his tricks, we’d learnt what he’s capable of, and then we learnt our way around that situation.
“So, that was a mistake on his part, losing control basically, in the media, starting a feud with Marc, and then getting too involved in that race in Malaysia and, as much as Marc copped it, somewhat deservingly, Valentino started to unravel that himself.”
The implications of Casey Stoner’s analysis extend beyond just this rivalry; they speak to broader issues within motorsport regarding how athletes manage relationships with their competitors.
In high-stakes environments like MotoGP, where split-second decisions can determine outcomes, understanding when to engage or disengage from conflict is paramount. Stoner’s reflections serve as a reminder that even seasoned champions can misjudge situations when emotions run high.
As the Valentino Rossi vs Marc Marquez rivalry continues to unfold with new developments—such as Marquez teaming up with Rossi’s protégé Francesco Bagnaia at Ducati—the relevance of Stoner’s insights remains potent.
The ongoing discourse surrounding this feud highlights how rivalries can shape narratives within sports and influence fan engagement over time.
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