Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez may not share a friendly bond, but their rivalry has defined an era in MotoGP. For Franco Morbidelli, however, both legends have had a profound impact on his career and life.
Morbidelli, one of the earliest graduates of the VR46 Academy, began his journey under Rossi’s mentorship. At just 18, he made his Moto2 debut with Gresini Racing in 2013, stepping into the paddock with Rossi’s guidance.
He later made history in 2017 by becoming the VR46 Academy’s first world champion, winning the Moto2 title with Marc VDS. By 2018, he had moved up to MotoGP, marking a major milestone as the first VR46 rider to reach the premier class.
Morbidelli’s best MotoGP season came in 2020, finishing second overall with three victories despite racing an older Yamaha model.
In 2025, the story came full circle when Morbidelli finally joined the VR46 Racing Team alongside Fabio Di Giannantonio. Speaking to Italian media, he recalled Rossi’s support at the beginning of his career.
He described Rossi’s help during his early struggles as a key moment, saying it taught him the value of extending a helping hand.
But it was Marc Marquez—Rossi’s long-time rival—who made a life-saving difference years later.
Before the 2024 season, Morbidelli suffered a severe crash while training on a Panigale V4 in Portimão. Knocked unconscious, it was the Marquez brothers who rushed to his side. Marc Marquez loosened his helmet strap, allowing Morbidelli to breathe again.
Although Morbidelli has no memory of the crash, he emphasized the importance of that moment and the crucial role Marquez played in saving him from potential permanent injury.
Despite the sport’s intense rivalries, Morbidelli’s story shows that acts of humanity and mutual respect can still shine through.
