MotoGP history remains clouded with speculation about the infamous 2015 rivalry between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez. Though many years have passed, the fallout from that dramatic season is still a hot topic among fans. Recently, Danilo Petrucci, who also competed in the 2015 championship, addressed and dismissed two of the most prominent conspiracy theories surrounding the incident.

A Rivalry That Refuses to Die

The rivalry was reignited this year when Rossi publicly accused Marquez of sabotaging his championship campaign. Petrucci, however, offered his perspective, clarifying his role—or lack thereof—in the drama that unfolded that season.

Petrucci firmly denied two commonly circulated conspiracy theories that emerged in the aftermath of the Rossi-Marquez feud: first, that he intentionally sabotaged Jorge Lorenzo, Rossi's title rival; and second, that he stepped aside to let Rossi overtake him during the final race in Valencia.

Theory 1: Sabotaging Lorenzo at Rossi’s Request

The idea of Petrucci sabotaging Lorenzo has been a heated topic among Rossi’s supporters. Some Italian fans even went so far as to suggest that Petrucci should have taken drastic action to help Rossi secure the championship. However, Petrucci dismissed these allegations outright.

“Never, not even for a second, did I consider doing such a thing,” Petrucci told MOW Mag. “A driver loves this sport and would never stoop to that level. Nobody wants to win through unsporting means—it would disgust even those who benefit from it.”

Petrucci reflected on the social media buzz surrounding these conspiracy theories, admitting he initially thought fans’ suggestions were merely jokes or memes. “It never crossed my mind to do it,” he said. “Sure, people joked that I’d become a hero among Rossi fans, but it’s just not how the sport works. It makes no sense to become a referee between two riders.”

Theory 2: Letting Rossi Pass in Valencia

Another popular theory, this time among Marquez’s supporters, is that Petrucci deliberately allowed Rossi an easy pass during the final race. Petrucci denied this claim as well.

“No, I didn’t step aside,” he explained. “When a rider is clearly faster, they’ll overtake you, and that’s what happened. People say all sorts of things, but you can’t give weight to every theory out there.”

The Rivalry Will Remain Unresolved

Petrucci also offered a broader reflection on the enduring nature of the Rossi-Marquez rivalry. “I thought it would eventually blow over,” he admitted. “But now, I see that it won’t. What happened between Valentino and Marc in 2015 will never truly be resolved—not for the fans, at least.”

While acknowledging the legendary status of both riders, Petrucci highlighted how deeply personal the feud became. “Only Rossi and Marquez know what truly happened that season,” he said. “They’re both convinced they’re in the right, and that’s why this controversy persists almost ten years later.”

Petrucci also recognized the emotional weight of racing alongside Rossi, a hero for his generation. “What Valentino achieved in the sport is legendary,” he said. “He deserved his tenth title, but it didn’t happen. Lorenzo deserved his championship too, and he won it. That’s racing.”

A Continuing Mystery

Despite his personal experience in the 2015 paddock, Petrucci confessed he doesn’t have the full picture. “Even those of us who were there didn’t know everything that went on behind the scenes,” he said. “What’s certain is that it wasn’t a great chapter for the sport, given all the drama that unfolded.”

As MotoGP moves forward, the events of 2015 remain an unresolved saga—one that continues to divide fans and fuel debate.