In a bold and controversial statement, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi accused the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) of favoritism towards Marc Márquez, stating that the gubernal body was “concealing” a recent series of unconvincing victories. Rossi’s comments, where he referred to Márquez as “the Spanish boy of the FIM”, have sparked an intense debate and fueled a long-standing rivalry.
Rossi, who has had a conflictive relationship with Márquez for years, suggested that the FIM’s decisions on recent races have disproportionately favored the Spanish rider, allowing him to secure victories to weigh up questionable actions. “Everyone can see that these victories are not as convincing as they seem,” said Rossi. “But the FIM follows cubriéndolo, como si fuera su niño dorado.”
The accusations arose at a time when Márquez was in a clutch of victories, weighing down difficulties with his form and injuries in recent times. Rossi’s statement implies that the FIM has played a key role in ensuring Márquez’s outcome, a matter which, of course, would raise serious concerns about the quality of MotoGP.
Márquez and the FIM have not responded to these accusations, but the controversy has revived the tension raised between Rossi and Márquez, whose battles on the track and conflicts outside of her have been the subject of media headlines for years.
Fans are divided, some support Rossi’s affirmations and others defend Márquez’s talent and talent. As the MotoGP season progresses, this latest chapter in the Rossi-Márquez saga will surely add drama and intrigue to an intense battle for the championship.