Valentino Rossi Reflects on Fiery Rivalry with Max Biaggi: ‘It Was My Fault

Valentino Rossi discloses a heated confrontation with Max Biaggi in an elevator

Valentino Rossi confesses that the hostility with Max Biaggi was "my responsibility"

Valentino Rossi has recounted two incidents involving conflicts with Max Biaggi, ultimately admitting responsibility for the animosity between them.

The intense competition between Rossi and Biaggi stands out as one of the most well-known and heated conflicts in the history of motorcycle racing.

Rossi has provided additional details about the events that took place during the peak of the tension.

Rossi recounted an incident from 1997 with Biaggi in an interview with Gazzetta, saying, "In that year, he moved from racing with Aprilia to joining Honda in the 250cc category."

"People claimed he secured his victory because of the Italian bike, and I agreed with that view."

When we got to Suzuka, we gathered at the usual restaurant.

"Max was dining with a group of reporters. As I walked by, he referred to me as the 'Max Biaggi of the 125cc class'."

"I responded by saying, 'This is the Valentino Rossi of the 250 class.'"

Several years passed before another in-person encounter occurred.

Rossi recalled stepping into the elevator by himself.

"Afterward, Biaggi showed up along with his physical therapist, Mario Laghi."

"There was a period when we frequently joked with one another."

Max questioned me, asking, "Why are you giving me such a hard time?"

"I can't recall how I reacted, but I definitely felt that assault. He stepped on my head."

"Since that time, I have consistently exercised caution when using elevators…"

Rossi, once the up-and-coming challenger, has now reached the age of 45. Biaggi, who was the reigning champion at the time, is currently 53 years old

Rossi achieved legendary status in MotoGP, clinching nine world championships and becoming the most renowned motorcycle racer in history. Meanwhile, Biaggi secured his own legacy with six championship titles, earning a spot in racing folklore.

Reflecting on the events, Rossi confessed that he believed he was to blame.

"I wasn't fond of Max. Most of us were from Emilia-Romagna, but he hailed from Rome."

I was dissatisfied with how he organized the interviews.

"I was a huge admirer of Loris Capirossi and had a strong liking for Doriano Romboni as well."

"When I joined the championship, I shared these details with reporters. I suppose he didn't take it well."

"In the end, he was at the pinnacle of Italian motorcycle racing, and I expressed my dislike for him."

"Things went wrong right from the beginning of the relationship, and I was the one to blame for it."

A year ago, Biaggi mentioned to Sky that perhaps in their later years, they might end up sharing a glass of wine.

"As time goes by, the urge to reconnect and have a conversation grows stronger."

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