ROSSI JOKES ABOUT DELAYING DAUGHTER’S BIRTH TO AVOID MARQUEZ’S BIRTHDAY

Valentino Rossi has revived his long-running dispute with Marc Marquez with a joke about the Spaniard’s birthday, as Marquez approaches a potential eighth MotoGP world title.

Speaking to Italian radio station Radio Deejay while promoting his new autobiography, Rossi said there had once been a chance his daughter Giulietta would be born on 17 February, the same date as Marquez’s birthday. Giulietta was ultimately born on 4 March.

“At one point, there was a risk that Giulietta would be born on Marquez’s birthday,” Rossi said. He recalled telling his partner: “Don’t play any tricks; stay still, don’t move, keep your legs together. We have to hold out for 24 hours.”

The quip comes amid renewed attention on the feud that began during the controversial end to the 2015 season. Rossi, a seven-time premier-class champion, accused Marquez—then riding for Honda—of undermining his bid for the title. The two have not made peace, and Rossi has continued to stand by his account of that season.

Earlier this week, as he discussed the book, Rossi said the loss still “stings” and described Marquez’s actions as “absurd”. Marquez is now closing in on an eighth MotoGP crown, which would put him ahead of Rossi in the all-time championship standings.

Rossi’s latest remarks have prompted criticism on social media. He retired from MotoGP five years ago and moved into car racing; his last grand prix victory came in 2017, while his most recent world title was in 2009. His autobiography has been released in Italy, with an English edition expected in February next year.