Yamaha hits back at Honda claims in Rossi/Marquez MotoGP row
The Yamaha MotoGP team has hit back at claims from Marc Marquez and Honda that Valentino Rossi kicked out at the Spaniard in their controversial Malaysian Grand Prix clash
Marquez accused Rossi of the kick immediately after the race, and Honda reiterated the claims when it issued a Q&A with its on Monday.
Yamaha dismissed Marquez's initial comments hours after the Sepang race, with its MotoGP team boss Lin Jarvis saying: "I don't think it's probably very wise to kick a 157kg bike."
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Yamaha said it took exception to the media releases issued by Honda regarding the Rossi/Marquez incident.
"Yamaha would like to express its disagreement with the words that have been used to report on the incident between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez," it said.
"Both [Honda] press releases included words that accuse Valentino Rossi of kicking Marc Marquez's bike that is something not proven by the investigation of race direction.
"Yamaha has no wish to enter into further discussion regarding this unfortunate affair and our desire is to conclude the 2015 MotoGP season in the best possible way.
"We go to Valencia with the clear intention of trying our best to win what we hope will be a memorable final race with all riders and teams competing in an exemplary sportsmanlike manner befitting the top category of motorcycle racing."
The president of motorcycle racing's governing body (FIM), Vito Ippolito, last week said the Rossi/Marquez row had "poisoned" MotoGP.
Ippolito will also attend an extraordinary meeting with all riders and teams on Thursday ahead of this weekend's championship-deciding season finale, and the pre-event press conference has been cancelled.
Rossi, who leads the championship by seven points ahead of Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, is set to start the race from the back of the grid as his punishment for causing a collision with Marquez at Sepang, although he has appealed that verdict with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Previous article
Marquez says his MotoGP feud with Rossi is uncharted territory
Next article
KTM RC16 turns first laps ahead of 2017 MotoGP return
Marc Marquez is back
MotoGP Starting Grid: Portugal Grand Prix
MotoGP Starting Grid: Doha Grand Prix
Marc Márquez's first ride after his injury
Marc Marquez continues his recovery
How Ducati has developed MotoGP's most versatile bike
His third place at Misano made Enea Bastianini the fifth different Ducati-mounted rider to score a podium in 2021. Amid a season that has seen one rider amass the bulk of Yamaha and Honda's success, the Ducati's versatility makes for a potent weapon, but the contribution of a former leading light shouldn't be forgotten
The next steps in the rebuilding of a stalled MotoGP career
Maverick Vinales’ early debut with Aprilia has been one of the most interesting plots of the recent MotoGP rounds. The results may not look standout on paper, but a closer inspection reveals just how much progress Vinales has truly made in understanding a bike that has taken him well out of his “comfort zone”
How ‘El Diablo’ and ‘the Beast’ starred in MotoGP’s Misano contest
On a day each of the podium trio could claim to be the star of the show, the San Marino Grand Prix will be remembered as a pivotal race in both MotoGP’s present and future. While Fabio Quartararo demonstrated his world title credentials just behind Francesco Bagnaia’s flawless victory charge, a new threat emerged from the shadows
How Ducati’s Aragon MotoGP win harks to its past and its future
Duelling against Marc Marquez at the Aragon Grand Prix, Francesco Bagnaia came out on top to secure a long overdue MotoGP victory. As Marquez likened Bagnaia to a Ducati title contender of old, it appears the Italian rider could finally start to fight for wins on a more regular basis
Why Dovizioso is more of a temporary fix than a Yamaha gamble
OPINION: The return of Andrea Dovizioso to the grid at Misano will be an interesting subplot to the remainder of the 2021 MotoGP season. But the circumstances that have led to the former Ducati rider ending his sabbatical point to his signing being one more of convenience than a long-term commitment
Why the British GP was a triumph for MotoGP
OPINION: The 2021 British Grand Prix was a historic day for MotoGP. At the centre of it was Aleix Espargaro on the Aprilia after securing its first podium in the modern MotoGP era. It was something of a full-circle moment that highlighted just how far MotoGP has come in the last decade
Why Silverstone should be regarded as MotoGP's rightful UK home
OPINION: Many of the UK’s MotoGP fans would prefer Donington Park to host the British GP beyond the expiry of Silverstone's current deal. But the circuit's fast, flowing circuit provides the best racing and should be regarded as its best bet for the foreseeable future
How MotoGP's record smasher is facing his toughest challenge
The 2020 MotoGP season was an utterly enthralling affair, but few would argue with you if thought it the world championship was a poorer place without its biggest star Marc Marquez. In an exclusive interview, he explains the challenges he's faced in his comeback from injury and what he makes of the current MotoGP landscape
