There have been some serious collisions in the history of the premier class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
In the high-adrenaline, unforgiving landscape of MotoGP, it’s only natural that at one point or another, tensions boil over between rivals on track.
From royal interference to pre-stage punches, here are the five greatest rivalries in MotoGP history.
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5. Jorge Lorenzo vs. Dani Pedrosa
The competition between George Lorenzo And Dani Pedrosa They started with the smaller Grand Prix classes and continued with their promotion to MotoGP.
In the 250cc race, things soured at the Sachsenring, with a collision between the two Spaniards prompting Lorenzo’s manager, Pedrosa, who was blind, to advise him to change his helmet.
Their relationship continued to deteriorate. In the year In Lorenzo’s fairytale debut at a MotoGP race in 2008, Pedrosa refused to congratulate or look at his compatriot in the post-race ceremony.
Lorenzo felt that Pedrosa’s presence was ‘impossible’And the royal intervention came later in the year.
In the year
4. Mick Doohan vs. Alex Criville
The competition between Mick Doohan And Alex Creville ended up in an internal battle in the factory Honda team. The Spaniard was sick of the supremacy of his counterpart, and he was determined to gain glory for himself.
In the year After local fans took to the track prematurely with the checkered flag, a distracted Créville crashed in the final corner, allowing Dohan to take the controversial Grand Prix victory.
After years in the shadow of five World Championships, Creville finally won the 1999 World Cup following the Australian’s career-ending injury.
Creville became the first Spaniard to win the premier classIt will pave the way for future MotoGP world championships from the country of Iberia.
3. Valentino Rossi vs. Max Biaggi
No one avoids competition Valentino Rossi’s The first race on this list was the doctor’s debut in the spectacular Grand Prix motorcycle race.
Max Biagi Rossi was a two-time world champion in the 250cc class before his debut, and it wasn’t long before the two riders locked heads.
Tension builds between the two riders before they meet on the road. In 2001, the poison reached its boiling point Rossi and Biaggi are coming to blows. Before the podium ceremony at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The clash is often referred to as an inspiration for the Italian’s future competitors with other riders on the MotoGP grid. Competition was something Rossi was never short of. during the work.
2. Kevin Schwantz vs. Wayne Rainey
Their competition between Kevin Schwantz And Wayne Rennie was born during the AMA Superbike Championship before exploding in MotoGP.
The two Americans have shared a genuine mutual hatred for years, and admit that beating each other is their only priority.
Now two proud inductors MotoGP’s Hall of FameThe rivalry has resulted in some of the most epic battles ever seen in the premier class.
One example is their 1991 battle at Hockenheim. Schwantz braked late on the final lap to snatch the win from his arch-nemesis.
The rivalry ended in tragedy at the 1993 Italian Grand Prix. Renee had a freak accident that left him paralyzed, which in turn, gave the world title to a crippled Schwantz.
Schwantz admits the joy of winning his only World Cup is hollow compared to the one without Rennie.
1. Marc Marquez vs Valentino Rossi
The rivalry between Rossi and Mark Marquez It is very explosive in modern times.
After Rossi admitted that Marquez was helping Jorge Lorenzo’s 2015 title charge, a series of verbal attacks ensued in the media.
In the year The 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix provided one of the most controversial moments in the sport’s history. A heated battle on the track ended with Marquez crashing out following a wide line that looked like it had been deliberately completed. A shot from Italian legend.
The crash cost Rossi his chance at a tenth World Cup and effectively ended their relationship.
To this day, the dispute between the two legends has not been resolved and MotoGP fans around the world are divided.
