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| Valentino Rossi Unfollows Official MotoGP Account After Marc Marquez's Mugello Win: Is the Legendary Rivalry Heating Up Again?. |
Nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi has once again stirred the MotoGP fanbase—this time through social media. The Italian legend, who now competes in the World Endurance Championship for Team WRT as a factory BMW LMGT3 driver, recently unfollowed the official MotoGP account on both Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
This subtle yet telling move has sparked speculation across the internet, especially considering the timing.
The Rossi-Marquez Rivalry: Old Wounds Reopened?
Rossi’s social media decision came just days after Marc Marquez clinched a major victory at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello, racing with the factory Ducati Lenovo Team. Their past rivalry—one of the most intense in MotoGP history—appears to still cast a shadow.
What makes this even more interesting is that Marquez is currently teammates with Francesco Bagnaia, a graduate of Rossi’s own VR46 Riders Academy. Ironically, Bagnaia is trailing behind Marquez in the 2025 MotoGP riders’ standings by a significant 110 points going into the Dutch TT weekend.
Marquez’s Mugello win also puts him just 22 wins away from Rossi’s all-time grand prix record of 115 victories (89 in the premier class). If Marquez clinches the championship this year, he’ll tie Rossi’s record of nine world titles. That’s a major milestone—one that could explain the rising tensions.
Massive Shifts in MotoGP's Future
Rossi’s unfollow also coincides with a monumental change in the MotoGP landscape: the European Commission has officially approved Liberty Media’s acquisition of Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder for MotoGP and World Superbike. This corporate shift could reshape the structure of the sport in the coming years.
Given Rossi’s long-standing influence—from his championship debut in 1996 to his retirement in 2021—any major change in the sport’s direction could understandably provoke a reaction.
Rossi’s Post-Retirement Journey: Still Racing, Still Influential
Although no longer a MotoGP rider, Rossi hasn’t left the motorsports scene. In 2025, he’s racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship and remains a prominent figure in talent development through his VR46 Riders Academy.
This season, the VR46 Racing Team has replaced Pramac as Ducati’s official satellite team. They’re fielding one factory-spec Ducati Desmosedici GP25, ridden by Fabio Di Giannantonio—marking a new chapter in Rossi’s racing legacy.
Interestingly, despite Rossi being a Yamaha brand ambassador, his team is now fully aligned with Ducati—a clear example of how professional strategy can outweigh brand loyalty in motorsports.
Why Did Rossi Unfollow MotoGP? Speculation Continues
While no official statement has been released by Rossi or his management, the timing and context suggest several possible reasons:
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A silent protest against MotoGP’s evolving direction under new ownership?
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Discontent with how his legacy is being compared—or potentially eclipsed—by Marc Marquez?
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Or simply a personal move unrelated to racing?
Regardless of the reason, the move has fueled endless speculation and debate among fans and analysts.
Rossi’s Social Media Move Adds Fuel to MotoGP’s 2025 Drama
Valentino Rossi may have retired, but his impact on MotoGP 2025 remains undeniable. With Marc Marquez on the verge of tying some of Rossi’s most iconic records, and with major changes brewing behind the scenes, the drama is far from over.
Whether this is just a small spark or the beginning of renewed tension, one thing’s clear: the MotoGP legacy rivalry between Rossi and Marquez continues to captivate fans worldwide.
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