MotoGP, Bagnaia on the Rossi-Marquez controversy: “It would be nice if our sport was cleaner.” His surprising comment comes from Il Fatto Quotidiano.
On the podium at Misano, he had asked his fans not to boo Marc Marquez, the winner of the Grand Prix. And now, on the eve of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, which has already been dubbed Misano 2 (because it is always raced on the track named after Marco Simoncelli), MotoGP champion Pecco Bagnaia has decided to speak out about the ongoing controversy between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez.
In an interview with Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano, Bagnaia expressed his desire for the sport to be cleaner and free from any unnecessary drama. He stated, “It would be nice if our sport was more about racing and less about personal rivalries. We are all here to compete and give our best, not to engage in petty arguments.”
Bagnaia’s words may come as a surprise to some, as he is a close friend and protégé of Valentino Rossi, who has had a long-standing rivalry with Marquez. However, Bagnaia’s stance on the issue is refreshing and shows that he is a true sportsman who prioritizes fair play and competition over personal biases.
The controversy between Rossi and Marquez dates back to 2015, when their on-track clashes and off-track comments sparked a heated rivalry. Since then, the two have had numerous confrontations on and off the track, with some even turning physical. However, Bagnaia believes that such actions have no place in the sport and only serve to distract from the true essence of motorcycle racing.
Bagnaia’s comments come at a crucial time, as the MotoGP community prepares for the second race at Misano. The first race saw Marquez take the top spot on the podium, while Rossi finished in a disappointing seventh place. Many fans and critics were quick to point out the tension between the two riders, with some even accusing Rossi’s fans of booing Marquez during the podium celebrations. However, Bagnaia’s plea for respect and fair play may just be the reminder that the sport needs to move forward and focus on the racing itself.
Bagnaia’s words have been met with praise and support from fellow riders and fans alike. Many have commended him for taking a stand and promoting a positive attitude towards the sport. As reigning MotoGP champion, Bagnaia’s message carries weight and influence, and it is clear that he intends to use his platform to advocate for a cleaner and more respectable sport.
In the end, Bagnaia’s comments serve as a reminder to all riders and fans that the true essence of MotoGP is not about personal rivalries, but about the love for motorcycles and the thrill of competition. As the riders gear up for Misano 2, let us all take a cue from Bagnaia and show our respect for the sport and its competitors.
