Jorge Lorenzo: “Valentino Rossi would make you feel small”

The current MotoGP has achieved almost unprecedented levels of competitiveness, with all the manufacturers on the grid capable of winning races that are often very close fought. Consider the results of the latest British GP, where the first fifteen riders crossed the line within 16 seconds of each other.

MotoGP has changed

A significant difference to what we used to see in the reigning class years ago, when the gaps were much bigger. Compared to the past, the atmosphere between the riders seems different too now, with no tension, a lot of smiling faces and almost zero controversy.

A situation far from that seen during the era of Valentino Rossi, Daniel Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez, all of whom were rivals both on and off the track.

Lorenzo’s opinion

Lorenzo offers his opinion as to our observations above: "Unlike in the past, today’s riders all look to be friends”, said Jorge during an interview with Cycle World.

“Quartararo doesn’t speak to Bagnaia in the same way I’d talk to Rossi. Pecco doesn’t talk to Jorge Martín like Rossi did with Stoner. Today they all have good relationships”, continues the Majorcan.

"I have great respect for every rider, but it’s the fierce battles that the fans like”, the five-time champion states, continuing to compare his era with the present day. “Consider the look Gibernau gave Valentino at Jerez in 2005, the battles between Rossi and Stoner or Rossi and Biaggi. Those rivalries were in the air. It’s the same in F1, where the rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, or Verstappen and Leclerc, is tangible".

A totally different climate, as we’ve said, compared to what we see today. According to the former Yamaha, Honda and Ducati rider, rivalry in motorsport has always added something extra to the racing. Not like now, where “Instagram and the pursuit of likes” may be a reason why riders seek to be friendly with each other.

Jorge: "Rossi had all the attention"

Speaking of rivalry, Lorenzo experienced this for himself with Rossi: "It was difficult for me. Without my strong personality, I’d probably have been crushed psychologically because Valentino had all the attention”, recalls #99, “everyone loved Valentino and this made you feel very small”, he states.

“But I was determined and, once the visor went down, my only goal was to open the throttle and win. Beating Rossi with the same bike gave me so much satisfaction and popularity”, concludes Lorenzo.

Translated by Heather Watson

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