F1's Vettel says Rossi did "the right thing" in Marquez MotoGP spat

Ferrari Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel has backed Valentino Rossi in his MotoGP clash with Marc Marquez, saying the Italian "did the absolute right thing"

Rossi, who tested Ferrari F1 cars last decade, collided with reigning world champion Marquez during last weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix, and will start the Valencia finale from the back of the grid.

It heightened a row between the pair that had erupted days earlier, when Rossi accused Marquez of "thinking like a child" and aiming to help countryman Jorge Lorenzo win the title.

"I think he still has the chance, he's a fighter, it's in his nature," Vettel said when asked about Rossi.

Rossi and Marquez row has "poisoned" MotoGP

"Even if after the [Malaysian] race it sounded like he was giving up, he will be fighting and giving everything he has and I think he did the absolute right thing in Malaysia.

"I know Jorge as well and Marc a little bit, and they are very good guys but Valentino did the right thing."

MASSA: ROSSI MADE A MISTAKE

Vettel's interpretation of the event is not shared by Williams driver Felipe Massa, who believes blame falls squarely at the feet of the Italian rider.

"To be honest, I am a big fan of Valentino, but he made a mistake," Massa said.

"Looking at the other [rider], waiting to do the corner and then suddenly his feet just move over, even if the other one touches his feet first...

"To be honest, he made a mistake."

Massa says Rossi's hopes of still winning the title are better in MotoGP than they would be in car racing.

"It's much easier to start last in the bikes than in a car, especially as they start three in the same row," he said.

"Plus, they have just four bikes that are really better than the others, so I think it is very easy for him to arrive fourth.

"The only thing is that we need to see if Lorenzo will win or not. I think he still can fight."

shares
comments

Alex de Angelis leaves hospital, eyes 2016 MotoGP return

Honda still certain Rossi kicked Marquez in Sepang MotoGP clash

Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?

Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Lewis Duncan

Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP? Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?

The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better

The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Oriol Puigdemont

The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better

The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form

The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
German Garcia Casanova

The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form

How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team

How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
German Garcia Casanova

How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team

How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years

How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Lewis Duncan

How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years

Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne?

Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne?

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Lewis Duncan

Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne? Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne?

How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023

How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Lewis Duncan

How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023 How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023

How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races

How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Germán Garcia Casanova

How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races

Subscribe