Valentino Rossi Revisits 2015 MotoGP Controversy in New Autobiography
The nine-time champion reflects on his bitter title loss and current academy riders.
1Reflecting on 2015
Valentino Rossi addresses his 2015 MotoGP title battle against Jorge Lorenzo in his new autobiography, La Mia Storia, releasing November 10. The Italian legend maintains that Marc Marquez actively interfered to prevent him from winning a tenth world championship. Rossi admits the events of that season still cause him significant personal pain.
2The Sepang Conflict
Tensions peaked at the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix following earlier incidents in Argentina and Assen. Rossi accused Marquez of conspiring to ensure a Spanish rider secured the title. The race featured an infamous clash where Rossi appeared to kick Marquez off his bike, leading to a penalty for the final round.
3Valencia Finale Tensions
Following the Sepang penalty, Rossi started the Valencia finale from the back of the grid. The event attracted record global television audiences amid intense friction between the protagonists. Rossi alleged a 'biscotto' or secret agreement, claiming Marquez refused to attack Lorenzo to ensure the Italian would lose the championship title.
4Enduring Emotional Impact
In a recent interview on RAI's Che tempo che fa, Rossi stated his perspective on the 2015 season remains unchanged. He expressed frustration that Marquez was not fighting for the title himself, but solely to sabotage his campaign. Rossi noted that the memory of that night in Valencia still deeply troubles him.
5Academy Rider Struggles
Rossi also evaluated the current performance of his VR46 Riders Academy members. Marco Bezzecchi, who once held a 102-point lead over Marquez, has struggled with consistency. Despite a recent victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, Rossi believes Bezzecchi will likely miss the title due to a series of critical rider mistakes.
6Bagnaia Injury Update
Francesco Bagnaia faces a difficult period as he prepares to leave Ducati after two challenging seasons. His Qatar Grand Prix prospects were ruined by a heavy crash involving Fermin Aldeguer during the Saturday sprint. The accident resulted in two fractures to his foot, though Rossi noted the outcome could have been worse.
7Antonelli's F1 Success
Beyond MotoGP, Rossi praised the recent achievements of his academy associate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli was recently crowned Formula 1 world champion, marking a significant milestone for Italian motorsport. Rossi described the young driver's performance as spectacular, highlighting his rapid rise to the pinnacle of open-wheel racing after decades of waiting.
8Legacy and Perspective
Rossi continues to grapple with the balance between his past triumphs and the sting of his most controversial defeat. While he encourages himself to focus on his nine world titles, he acknowledges that losing hurts more than winning feels good. His autobiography serves as a final account of these defining career moments.