Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Valentino Rossi controversy made Marc Marquez nervous at Valencia

Marc Marquez has revealed he was nervous before the MotoGP title decider at Valencia because he knew the controversy that would be created if Valentino Rossi lost the championship

The Honda rider was in the spotlight heading into the season finale even though he was not in the title picture, following accusations from Rossi that he was trying to help Jorge Lorenzo win the championship.

Following a war of words after the Phillip Island and Sepang rounds - and a collision with Rossi at the latter - Marquez was then accused of not trying to win the race when he finished second as Lorenzo sealed the title with victory at Valencia.

"After Malaysia I suffered a lot and when I reached Valencia I wanted to win the race, simply because we knew that if we did not we would be in this situation as has happened," said Marquez during post-season testing on Tuesday.

"I am not stupid either and knew it would end like this and this made me more nervous before the race started, even more than in 2013 when I battled for the championship [at the final race].

"It was one of the times I was more serious because I knew this [controversy] was coming, it was a situation I wanted to avoid in the first place by winning the race."

Marquez added he hopes Rossi will calm down over the off-season, although he accepts it will be tough to move on from their feud.

"I honestly believe that within two or three months, when Valentino is at home without the stress of the championship, he will find a bit of everything," he said.

"At the end I had a very clear conscience and this is a pretty important thing to help you sleep.

"[Rossi was] making people believe things that are not true and that no other rider has expected him to say.

"Many people have believed him and I respect that, but in the end I continue, as always, for me but as I said I do not like this situation.

"Valentino is a legendary rider of this championship today, but in the end you have to look at him, always thinking of others and where you are.

"We are in a great year for the championship, some riders are older and others younger.

"We all enjoy motorcycling, and we must try to turn the page, although it will be hard to forget."

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article New Michelin MotoGP front tyre causing problems - Jorge Lorenzo
Next article Honda's Marc Marquez finishes MotoGP test on top, despite falling

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe