Marc Márquez has finally broken his silence on Valentino Rossi’s harsh comments, in which the Italian MotoGP legend described Márquez as “the dirtiest rider he had seen in his career.” The tension between the two icons, which has simmered for years, reignited when Rossi’s controversial statement made headlines, prompting Márquez to address the issue directly.

In his response, Márquez acknowledged the history between them but defended his racing style. “I have always raced aggressively, but fairly,” Márquez said. “Every rider has their own opinions, but I focus on my performance, not the criticisms.”

He also alluded to their infamous on-track clashes, most notably during the 2015 MotoGP season, which saw one of the sport’s most intense rivalries play out between them. “I respect Valentino and everything he’s done for MotoGP, but I won’t apologize for my style. I race to win, and sometimes that means pushing the limits.”

Márquez’s remarks have reignited debate among fans and pundits, with opinions split on whether his aggressive approach crosses the line or is simply part of high-stakes racing. The rivalry between Márquez and Rossi remains one of MotoGP’s most talked-about storylines, with both riders leaving a lasting impact on the sport.