In a no-nonsense chat on the Motorsport Republica podcast, WorldSBK rider and MotoGP paddock regular Scott Redding delved into the heart of one of motorcycling's most explosive rivalries: Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi. And it all started in an unlikely place: Rossi's famed ranch, a supposedly friendly playground. "It all started when Rossi invited Marquez there, just for fun," says Redding. But what was supposed to be a casual day out between champions quickly turned sour.
In an unfiltered conversation on the podcast Motorsport Republica, the WorldSBK rider Scott Redding lifted the veil on one of the most iconic rivalries in the history of MotoGP: that of Marc Marquez et Valentino Rossi. But instead of focusing solely on the battles on the track, Redding chose to reveal an unexpected episode, that of VR46 Ranch de Rossi, which marked a turning point in their relationship.
Redding tells how the conflict between the two champions took a more personal turn. It all started on the dirt track at the ranch in Rossi, where the “Dottore” had invited Marc Marquez for a relaxing day. What seemed like an informal day among friends quickly became a clash of styles and egos. Redding explains that Rossi, a perfectionist, uses motorcycles from different manufacturers to adapt to the conditions, which is not surprising.
But the surprise came when Marc arrived with a full team and his HRC truck. Redding entrusts : " Marc arrived with the HRC truck, a full team, and it was like a full factory preparation. And that really bothered Valentino because it distorted the purpose of his presence, which was something informal and entertaining.. » It was more than just a friendly test day – it was a clash, and as Redding emphasizes, " Marc was going to beat him"
Redding He then discusses the repercussions of this meeting, emphasizing that this confrontation was a catalyst for the rivalry that exploded between the two drivers. For him, this kind of tension is part of the very heart of the sport: " The world of motorcycle racing has evolved over the yearsTwenty years ago, when we look back at the great battles, the last real fight was Valentino Rossi versus Marc Marquez."
Scott Redding: “ Marc Marquez never gives up. He's that kind of driver. »
This rivalry, which took on an intense and personal dimension, made the races even more exciting, according to Redding, who remembers this time with nostalgia: “ it was personal. It was real racing. I loved it.. Valentino Rossi made it personal, and people loved him for that "This intensity, this will to win at all costs, is exactly what has made MotoGP such a captivating spectacle.
What really distinguishes Marc Marquez, according Redding, it is his warrior spirit. When I'm asked which drivers would be willing to go through a wall at the end of the straight, I'd say one or two. And one of them would be Marc Marquez. "This courage and tenacity are what make him an exceptional driver. Redding points out that no other driver embodies this spirit as fully as the Catalan. Marc doesn't give up. He's that kind of driver. Honestly, he doesn't even think. He just goes for it."
But this rivalry has not been without moments of extreme tension, such as the incident of Sepang in 2015. Redding approaches this point with a mixture of respect and criticism. According to him, " when Marquez and Rossi collided, he should have stayed on the track, but Rossi was very good at controlling the spectators. He's always been good at it. That's why he's so famous in this sport, because he was the only one with a personality – good or bad, but he had it. And he knew how to use it very well."
Rossi, with his charisma and ability to manipulate public opinion, took a different direction. Redding recognizes the skill of Rossi to play on the situation, but he also criticizes what he perceives as the use of the crowd against Marquez. When things went wrong between him and Marc, and that he used the supporters against him, it was a bit embarrassing" Redding highlights the darker side of this era: “ Marc received punches at his door. There were even death threats. This could have been avoided."
To Redding, this episode revealed a less glorious aspect of Valentino Rossi. While many may not agree with him, he believes it showed the " dark side of Rossi"This dimension of rivalry added a layer of complexity to the story, transforming what could have been a simple battle on the track into an intense psychological clash.
In short, the rivalry between Rossi et Marquez is not just about races or physical clashes. It is a mental and strategic battle, where every movement, every gesture, every word counts. A war of titans which, according to Scott Redding, marked the history of sport.
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