Valentino Rossi mocked Marquez’s Thailand, saying that Jorge Martin’s absence gave him luck, the winner should be Pecco Bagnaia.

The MotoGP paddock has erupted into controversy once again after Valentino Rossi openly mocked Marc Marquez’s performance at the Thailand Grand Prix. The legendary nine-time world champion suggested that Marquez’s podium finish was nothing more than a stroke of luck, arguing that if Jorge Martin had been on track, the result would have been different.

Rossi, never one to hold back his opinions on his longtime rival, made it clear that he believes Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia was the true deserving winner. His words have ignited debates among MotoGP fans, with some backing Rossi’s stance and others accusing him of unfairly discrediting Marquez’s performance.

Is this just another chapter in the long-standing Rossi-Marquez feud, or is there truth behind his claim?

Marc Marquez’s Performance at the Thailand Grand Prix

The Thailand GP was a thrilling race, with Marquez making a strong push for a podium. He battled relentlessly against Ducati’s top riders, showing glimpses of the aggressive and fearless Marquez of old.

• Marquez took advantage of key overtakes and track conditions to secure a strong finish.
• With Jorge Martin absent due to unforeseen circumstances, Marquez had one less major competitor to deal with.
• Pecco Bagnaia, the reigning champion, put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short of victory.

However, despite Marquez’s impressive ride, Rossi refused to acknowledge it as a true test of Marquez’s abilities, dismissing it as a lucky result rather than a display of pure skill.

Valentino Rossi’s Comments on Marquez’s Victory

During a post-race interview, Rossi did not hold back, delivering a brutal assessment of Marquez’s performance.

• “Marquez was lucky today. Let’s be honest—if Jorge Martin had been there, things would have been different. This race was Pecco’s to win.”
• “Marquez is still fast, but without Martin in the fight, it made his race much easier.”
• “It’s funny how some riders always seem to get lucky when key opponents are missing.”

Rossi’s words immediately set off a storm of reactions in the MotoGP community. While some believe he was just expressing his usual anti-Marquez sentiment, others argue that his point may not be entirely wrong.

Jorge Martin’s Absence: Would It Have Changed the Outcome?

One of the key factors in Rossi’s argument is the absence of Jorge Martin, who has been one of the strongest contenders in the 2024 season.

• Martin’s aggressive riding style and consistency have made him a serious threat to Bagnaia and other top riders.
• He has been one of the few riders capable of matching Marquez in head-to-head battles.
• Without Martin in the race, Ducati’s strategy was heavily altered, allowing Marquez to gain an easier path to the podium.

Many fans agree that if Martin had been present, the race could have unfolded very differently. However, others argue that racing is unpredictable, and Marquez still had to deliver a strong ride to finish where he did.

Pecco Bagnaia: The True Deserving Winner?

Rossi didn’t just stop at criticizing Marquez—he also made it clear that he believes Pecco Bagnaia should have won.

• Bagnaia fought hard and showed race-winning pace, but was unable to secure the victory.
• Ducati’s strategy did not play out perfectly, leaving Bagnaia in a position where he could not fully capitalize on his speed.
• Rossi, as a mentor to Bagnaia, has always been one of his strongest supporters, and his comments suggest he felt Pecco was the rightful winner.

While Bagnaia is still very much in the championship battle, Rossi’s words have added pressure on Ducati to ensure their strategy helps him reclaim his dominance.

Marquez Responds: “Luck Doesn’t Win Championships.”

Following Rossi’s comments, Marquez was quick to respond, dismissing the criticism as baseless.

• “Luck doesn’t win races. I’ve had my fair share of bad luck too.”
• “If people think I only won because of Martin’s absence, then they don’t understand how MotoGP works.”
• “Pecco is an incredible rider, but the race played out the way it did, and I did my job.”

Marquez’s response was measured yet firm, refusing to be drawn into an unnecessary war of words. However, the ongoing tension between him and Rossi remains undeniable.

The Rossi-Marquez Feud: Animosity That Never Fades

The Rossi vs. Marquez rivalry has been one of the most dramatic and controversial storylines in MotoGP history. Their clashes on track and explosive incidents in the past have cemented their dislike for one another.

• The infamous 2015 Sepang clash, where Rossi accused Marquez of deliberately helping Lorenzo in the title fight.
• The Argentina GP 2018 controversy, where Marquez’s aggressive move caused Rossi to crash.
• Repeated post-race jabs and comments over the years kept the rivalry alive.

Even after Rossi’s retirement, the tension has not disappeared. Every time Marquez succeeds, Rossi seems to have something negative to say—and the Thailand GP controversy is just the latest example.

What This Means for the 2024 Championship Battle

With the championship fight heating up, Rossi’s comments have added fuel to the fire.

Key Takeaways for the Title Race

• Marquez is proving he can still fight at the top level, and any doubts about his ability are being erased.
• Bagnaia remains Ducati’s best shot at the title, but he must find a way to stay consistent.
• Jorge Martin’s return will be critical, as his presence will affect the balance of power in the coming races.
• Tensions between Marquez, Ducati, and Rossi continue to rise, making the remaining races even more intense.

The big question now is: Will Rossi’s words fire up Marquez to prove him wrong, or will they add extra pressure on Pecco Bagnaia to step up?

Conclusion: Is Rossi Right or Just Stirring Drama?

Valentino Rossi’s claim that Marquez was lucky in Thailand has sparked one of the biggest debates of the season.

• Is he simply standing up for his protégé, Bagnaia?
• Or is he still unwilling to give Marquez the credit he deserves?
• Would Jorge Martin’s presence have changed the race, or did Marquez truly earn his place on the podium?

One thing is certain: MotoGP’s biggest rivalry is far from over. With the championship battle intensifying, every race from now on will be filled with drama, controversy, and heated battles.

Will Marquez silence his critics, or will Bagnaia prove Rossi right? The answer will unfold in the races to come.