In a recent interview, former MotoGP rider Danilo Petrucci addressed the long-standing Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez conspiracy theories particularly focusing on the events of the 2015 season.
The unending rivalry between the two MotoGP world champions has captivated fans and sparked heated discussions with many speculating about the intentions and actions of both riders during that tumultuous year.
Danilo Petrucci, who was an active competitor during that time has now taken it upon himself to clarify misconceptions and dismiss unfounded Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez conspiracy theories that continue to circulate among fans.
Petrucci’s comments come in light of Rossi’s recent remarks, where he suggested that Marquez had deliberately interfered with his championship aspirations in 2015.
The 34-year old, however, firmly rejected this notion highlighting that such claims are not only unfounded but also detrimental to the sport. He stated, “I thought it would end, but today I realize that what happened between Valentino and Marc in 2015 will never end.”
This acknowledgment highlights the deep-rooted nature of the rivalry and its impact on fan perceptions.
Two Conspiracy Theories Dismissed
Danilo Petrucci specifically addressed two major conspiracy theories over the Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez rivalry that have emerged over the years.
The first theory posits that Petrucci along with fellow Italian riders like Andrea Iannone were expected to obstruct Jorge Lorenzo’s progress in the final race of the season to aid Rossi’s championship bid.
Petrucci dismissed this idea outright, stating, “Never, not even a second,” emphasizing that a true racer would never consider compromising their integrity or the spirit of competition for personal allegiance.
Furthermore, Petrucci reiterated his stance against any form of manipulation in racing.
“A driver loves this sport and would never do something like this,“ he added. “I absolutely agree in saying that a rider who isn’t playing for something shouldn’t be a pain in the ass of those who are playing for a lot.
“It is valid in the case of resisting overtaking beyond measure, but it is also valid in the case of going to the door on purpose. Nobody wants to win like that.”
Petrucci also noted that while some Italian fans joked about wishes for him to aid Rossi in his 2015 MotoGP title bid on social media, he never took them seriously.
He added: “In that year before Valencia it seemed to me that they were joking, that it was a way to lighten things up: for me they were simply memes on social media in which they hypothesised that I, or Iannone or someone else, would knock out Lorenzo in the last race.
“I never thought there were people who would really want it. I probably would have become king of the world if I had done it! Praised left and right.
“But it never even crossed my mind to do it. This would have also disgusted those who would have benefited from it, I have no doubts.
“It makes no sense to become a referee between two riders.”
The second Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez conspiracy theory Petrucci addressed involved claims from Marquez’s supporters who alleged that he intentionally let Rossi pass him during the Valencia race in 2015.
Petrucci clarified this misconception by stating that he did not step aside for Rossi; rather, if a rider is faster, they will naturally overtake others without any need for collusion or strategy.
“No, I didn’t step aside,” he insisted. “But if a rider is clearly going faster, he overtakes you easily and that’s what happened there. People say so many things, you can’t listen to everyone.”
A Rivalry That Will Never End?
Petrucci’s reflections on the rivalry extend beyond mere dismissals of conspiracy theories; they also touch on the emotional weight carried by both Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez as they navigate their legacies within MotoGP.
He acknowledged that only Rossi and Marquez truly understand the complexities of their relationship and what transpired throughout that season. “Only they know what really happened,” he said, highlighting the personal nature of their rivalry.
Petrucci also expressed frustration over how easily misinformation can spread among fans and how such narratives can overshadow the true essence of racing.
“I thought it would end,” Petrucci said. “But today I realise that no, what happened between Valentino and Marc in 2015 will never end.
“It makes sense between the two of them, but not among the fans. Only the two of them know what really happened, what happened before, what they said or didn’t say to each other over the course of an entire season.
“You will have seen that every time one of the two talks about it, a piece is added that all of us, including those who were in the same paddock, didn’t know. Each of the two is completely convinced that they are right, otherwise after almost ten years we wouldn’t still be talking about it.
“It certainly wasn’t a great page of sport for everything that happened after and around it. Valentino is an idol for all those of my generation and finding him on the track as an opponent is something that cannot be told from an emotional point of view.
“What he did in racing is written in the history of sport. He deserved the tenth, but it didn’t arrive.
“Jorge Lorenzo also deserved it and he won it. It’s racing. That season things didn’t go well for Marquez right away, but perhaps he was convinced that it could have been the first clash with Vale that excluded him from the world championship fight.
“I really don’t know what happened and I don’t have enough information to take a clear position. Especially after almost ten years.”
The ongoing discourse surrounding Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez is not just a matter of sportsmanship but also reflects broader themes within motorsport culture—loyalty, rivalry, and fan engagement.
Petrucci’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity in racing and the need for fans to appreciate the sport for its competitive nature rather than getting lost in conspiratorial thinking.
