MotoGP’s Intense Rivalries: A Look at Epic Battles Amongst Respected Riders
Exploring the Top Controversial MotoGP Feuds
The pinnacle of two-wheeler racing, MotoGP racing is not always known for its respected on-track battles. Over the years the MotoGP has witnessed some heated-up on and off-track feuds between the drivers.
Let’s look into the Top Controversial Motogp Feuds over the years.
Rossi vs Biaggi :
The early 2000s of Motogp were known for the most iconic feuds between Rossi and Biaggi. When Rossi joined MotoGP the two Italians wasted no time in becoming fierce rivals, as was demonstrated in 1997 when it all began in a restaurant. Both drivers clashed on and off the track because of their never-give-up nature.
The battle for supremacy reached its peak during the 2001 season, culminating in heated exchanges, and on-track clashes.
Rossi vs Marquez :
Without question, the greatest On and off the field privately the Motogp fans have ever witnessed.
It all started in 2015 when Rossi didn’t take kindly to the way Marquez was racing him, believing the Honda rider was trying to aid Lorenzo in the all-Yamaha title fight.
Several clashes were then followed by the famous Sepang incident when Rossi knocked Marquez off his bike after intentionally blocking his path. The two came together again in dramatic fashion in Argentina in 2018, when an overly aggressive Marquez slammed into Rossi, this time knocking the nine-time world champion to the ground.
Lorenzo vs Rossi :
Teammates turned rivals, Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi, found themselves entangled in a bitter dispute during the 2015 season.
The most pivotal moment in their rivalry can be put down to one race in particular, which really frustrated Lorenzo. Catalunya, Spain 2009. Rossi and Lorenzo would fight almost all race for first and second, with neither wanting to back down. Coming into the final sector of the final lap, Lorenzo looked destined to win in front of his adoring home crowd. But Rossi had other ideas.Rossi made a final lap, final corner move to win the Spanish GP 2009, which sent his half of the garage into absolute delight, going down as one of Vale’s greatest races, but on Lorenzo’s side, some conversations needed to be had with Yamaha Team Principal Lin Jarvis