Valentino Rossi Jokes He Begged Partner Not to Give Birth on Rival's Birthday

Motorsport legend Valentino Rossi recently sparked widespread media attention after revealing he jokingly pleaded with his partner to delay their daughter's birth to avoid sharing a birthday with his arch-rival Marc Marquez.

Promoting his new autobiography, the Italian icon reflected on the bitter conclusion of the 2015 MotoGP season. Rossi maintains that Marquez actively conspired to deny him the world championship that year, describing the Spaniard's actions at the time as absurd. These remarks resurfaced as Marquez closes in on his eighth premier-class world title, a milestone that would elevate him above Rossi in the all-time motorcycle championship standings and tie him with legendary Italian rider Giacomo Agostini.

Marquez currently leads Jorge Martin in the championship standings with just two rounds remaining in the season. To secure the title before the final Grand Prix, Marquez needs to extend his lead by two points.

Speaking recently on Radio Deejay, the seven-time premier-class champion shared a striking anecdote about the birth of his daughter, Giulietta. Rossi recounted how he jokingly begged his partner, Francesca, to delay delivery so she would not give birth on February 17, which happens to be Marquez's birthday. Ultimately, Giulietta was born on March 4.

Recalling the tense days leading up to the birth, Rossi admitted he was terrified of the coincidence.

"I told Francesca: 'Don't play any tricks on me. Stay quiet, don't move, keep your legs crossed. We have to hold out for another 24 hours',» Rossi recalled with a laugh.