“THEY ARE CHEATERS” Valentino Rossi angrily reveals the secret money Sheikh Jassim and FIM president invested in Marc Marquez to help the Ducati rider win

In a bombshell interview aired on Italian television last night, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi unleashed a torrent of accusations against his long-time rival Marc Marquez. The 46-year-old, now team owner, branded Marquez’s backers as “cheaters” for allegedly funneling secret funds to secure the Spaniard’s 2025 championship triumph with Ducati.

Rossi, speaking from his Tavullia ranch, didn’t hold back. “They are cheaters,” he fumed, pointing fingers at Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and FIM president Jorge Viegas. According to Rossi, the duo invested millions in Marquez’s setup, tilting the scales unfairly in the premier class.

The revelation comes just weeks after Marquez clinched his seventh MotoGP title at Motegi, equaling Rossi’s record. With 11 race wins and 14 sprints, Marquez dominated, but Rossi claims it was no accident. “Secret money from Doha and FIM insiders bought those victories,” he alleged.

Sheikh Jassim, a key MotoGP sponsor through Qatar Airways, has deep ties to the sport. Rossi accused him of channeling funds via Pramac Ducati to boost Marquez’s satellite team in 2024, paving the way for his factory promotion. “It’s not racing; it’s rigged,” Rossi spat.

Viegas, the Portuguese FIM head since 2022, faced equal scorn. Rossi suggested the president turned a blind eye to irregularities, from engine tweaks to preferential testing access. “FIM should govern, not gamble on one rider,” he declared, demanding an independent audit.

The feud traces back to 2015’s Sepang clash, where Rossi accused Marquez of collusion with Jorge Lorenzo to deny him an eighth title. That penalty point in Valencia still stings. “This is payback, but dirtier,” Rossi reflected, his voice laced with bitterness.

Marquez, sidelined by a shoulder injury from Indonesia, responded via Instagram. “Focus on the track, not conspiracies,” the 32-year-old posted, alongside a photo of his trophy cabinet. Ducati issued a terse statement denying any impropriety, calling Rossi’s claims “baseless.”

Fans erupted online, with #RossiTellsTruth trending in Italy and Spain divided. Marquez’s brothers finishing 1-2 amplified the drama—Alex second, a first for siblings in MotoGP history. Rossi called it “the ultimate cheat code.”

Ducati’s dominance, with eight bikes on the grid, already drew scrutiny. Rossi argued Marquez’s signing over Francesco Bagnaia, his protégé, was the tipping point. “Pecco deserved better; they sold out for Qatari cash,” he lamented.

Insiders whisper of leaked emails showing Jassim’s direct involvement in Marquez’s contract. One source claimed $20 million flowed through back channels, funding bespoke carbon parts and data analytics. FIM stewards, per Rossi, ignored red flags.

The Italian Motorcycle Federation echoed support, urging Dorna to investigate. “Integrity is MotoGP’s soul,” their statement read. Marquez’s camp dismissed it as sour grapes from a fading icon.

Rossi, fresh from VR46’s junior successes, positioned himself as the sport’s guardian. “I built this era; I won’t watch it crumble to money men,” he vowed. His words risk reigniting global boycotts, as seen post-2015.

Marquez’s 2025 resurgence—post-Honda arm fractures—stunned rivals. From Gresini underdog to factory ace, his adaptability shone. Yet Rossi insists it masks foul play. “Talent doesn’t need bribes,” he quipped.

Qatar’s influence looms large; their GP circuit hosts annually. Sheikh Jassim, a racing enthusiast, reportedly lobbied for Marquez’s Ducati move. Viegas, attending Lusail races, allegedly greenlit rule bends.

Legal experts predict lawsuits. Ducati could sue for defamation, while anti-doping parallels emerge—financial fair play demands scrutiny. FIM’s silence fuels speculation.

Bagnaia, Rossi’s ally, stayed diplomatic. “We race clean; results speak,” the two-time champ said post-Qatar podium. But whispers in Misano paddock suggest team morale dips.

As 2026 looms, Marquez eyes a record 10th title. Rossi warns of boycotts if unchecked. “Cheaters never prosper—history proves it,” he prophesied.

Global media frenzy ensues. BBC Sport labels it MotoGP’s “Watergate,” while Marca hails Marquez’s grit. Social metrics show 5 million engagements overnight.

Rossi ended with a plea: “Fans deserve truth. Audit now.” Whether catalyst or catalyst for chaos, his outburst reshapes narratives.

In endurance racing now, Rossi mentors youth. Yet MotoGP pulls him back. “For the purity I fought for,” he explained.

Marquez, recovering in Cervera, trains relentlessly. “Titles heal wounds,” he told reporters. Their paths cross at Valencia’s finale.

The sport braces. Will investigations unearth dirt, or bury Rossi’s legacy? One thing’s certain: the Rossi-Marquez saga endures.