The controversy between Jorge Lorenzo and the other MotoGP riders regarding Cal Crutchlow’s crash during testing in Qatar continues to make the news. It all started with a social media post on the MotoGP account that showed Crutchlow in the gravel at Losail, to which Lorenzo responded with an ironic "I told you so!”

Tit for tat

A comment that caused both Jack Miller and Aleix Espargaró to react, both riders quick to defend the Yamaha test rider.

"I prefer to be a good human than a champion”, wrote the Aprilia rider. The Majorcan shot back with “Better to be both, right? I assure you it’s a wonderful sensation and I hope you can experience it one day!”

He then doubled down in a post published later: "0 wins in 18 years? Really? The fact you’re still in MotoGP is just magic".

A squabble that former MotoGP and Superbike rider Ben Spies then tried to diffuse with a funny story on Instagram.

No regret

A debate - and one that could have been avoided - that doesn’t appear to bother Lorenzo. Quite the opposite in fact.

"Firstly, when I respond to someone on social media, I don’t give it the same importance others do. For me this is kind of a game and I enjoy it", the five-time world champion tells As.

"I made a comment about Crutchlow’s crash. Then two riders (Miller and Espargaro) took advantage, replying to me with the excuse of defending another rider. It’s not in my personality to keep quiet and so I replied”.

So, no about face. Who knows whether Jorge has another episode of this soap opera in store for us over the coming days, considering the final Qatari test sessions taking place from 10 to 12 March.

Translated by Heather Watson

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