MotoGP, Valentino Rossi: “the arrival of Marc Marquez was a surprise for everyone, for me, for Pecco, but especially for Jorge Martin”

Valentino Rossi has expressed optimism about Pecco Bagnaia's abilities, as the Ducati factory team prepares to welcome Marc Marquez next year. Marquez's selection for the factory Ducati team in 2025 means he will share the box with current MotoGP champion Bagnaia, forming one of the most exciting and promising partnerships since Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo teamed up at Yamaha – a relationship that had ultimately deteriorated.

« Marc's arrival was a surprise for everyone: for me, for Pecco, but especially for Jorge Martin ", Rossi told Brand. " It will surely be hard for Pecco because he will have a very competitive teammate, but I think he has everything it takes to stand up to him »

Valentino Rossi insisted that bagnaia did not need the presence of Marquez in his team to prove his worth. “ A rider who has won three world championships, including two consecutive in MotoGP with Ducati, doesn't need it ", he added. bagnaia could become a three-time MotoGP champion if he manages to maintain his current lead at championnat. He owns 10 points ahead of Martin before the next round at Silverstone. Marquez, currently third with a GP23, is still waiting for a first victory in a Ducati and in 56 points behind on bagnaia.

Valentino Rossi: “ a rider who won three world championships, including two consecutive in MotoGP with Ducati, has nothing to prove against Marc Marquez »

The selection of Marquez caused a series of movements among the pilots, with George Martin, Enea Bastianini, Marco Bezzecchi, and even the satellite team Pramac leaving Ducati. Despite the criticism, Ducati defended his choice by saying that it did not mark a change in strategy, nor a move away from support for young drivers.

Marquez will be the second oldest MotoGP rider on the grid next year, when he joins bagnaia in Ducati. With one fewer premier category championship compared to Rossi, his great rival, Marquez seeks to match this total. The arrival of Marquez next to bagnaia, a graduate of Rossi's VR46 Academy, adds a new dimension to this historic rivalry.

Valentino Rossi enthusiastically defended the position of Pecco Bagnaia, while preparing for an exciting season with the arrival of Marc Marquez at Ducati. This duo could provide memorable races and an interesting dynamic to watch, recalling great rivalries of the past while writing an exciting new chapter in MotoGP history.