At the San Marino Grand Prix in Misano, Marc Marquez was greeted by whistles and boos from the Italian fans when he stepped onto the podium. Pecco Bagnaia, as a gesture of fair play, asked the crowd to calm down. Despite this, Marquez could not ignore this reaction.
Shortly before, Valentino Rossi had rekindled tensions by declaring that Marquez was " the dirtiest driver » he had encountered in his career, accusing him of having prevented him from winning his tenth title in 2015. Upon his arrival for the second round in Misano, Marquez replied : " logically, I heard what happened. I even watched the video. But today, I have other priorities. I am an active pilot, I will not let myself be distracted by these controversies. I have already experienced everything, I know where my head should be. No one will distract me from my goals »
In the face of criticism, Marc Marquez wanted to clarify: " Unfortunately, this is not the first time. Fans have the right to support their favorite driver, but that doesn't justify booing others. We can't control these kinds of reactions, but it's not pleasant. »
« Criticism and booing are disrespectful »
Pecco Bagnaia, who took a stand in favor of Marquez, distancing itself from the controversy relaunched by Valentino Rossi :: « the dialogue between Valentino Rossi and Migno on Marc Marquez? I am out of this question, I wasn't riding at the time, so I'm not interested."
Then he added: Criticism and booing are a lack of respect. We always do our best on the track. This kind of behavior is not limited to Italy, I experienced the same thing in Barcelona. On the podium, you know you gave it your all, but hearing these boos is incomprehensible. I wish our sport would stay cleaner »
George Martin also reacted: " Getting booed after risking your life on a motorcycle is not respectful.We give 100%, and we have to recognize that, regardless of the rivalries. »
Enea Bastianini concluded : " It's never pleasant to hear whistles. I hope this will change. Respect for all drivers must come first, it is essential »
As rivalries continue to fuel debate, the drivers' message MotoGP is clear: respect must be at the heart of this sport, whatever the preferences of the fans.
