Jorge Lorenzo Reflects on Brutal 2015 Season and Rivalry with Valentino Rossi: A Tale of Respect Amid Controversy

The challenging year of 2015 hasn't diminished Jorge Lorenzo's admiration for Valentino Rossi

"Without each other, we both might have achieved more victories…"

Jorge Lorenzo described his last championship victory in MotoGP in 2015 as "intense" because of the scandal involving Valentino Rossi, but now holds "the highest regard" for the iconic racer.

Lorenzo and Rossi had a strained partnership while racing together for Yamaha from 2008 to 2010, and subsequently from 2013 to 2016.

The tension between them possibly peaked in 2015, as Lorenzo clinched the championship, amidst claims by Rossi that Marc Marquez was plotting against him to prevent the Italian from securing that year's global title.

Rossi continues to stand by this assertion to the present.

Lorenzo secured his third MotoGP championship during the final round in Valencia in 2015, an achievement that sparked controversy among Rossi's supporters and received a subdued reception from his Yamaha squad. Following this, the Spanish rider made the decision to join Ducati for the 2017 racing season.

At the Festival dello Sport in Italy last week, Lorenzo discussed his ultimate championship victory and his competitive relationship with Rossi.

"Lorenzo mentioned that it was clear everyone had accepted Valentino's account of the events of that season."

"2015 was a harsh year: a lot transpired. Consider that I hadn't taken the lead alone until the final race."

Lorenzo momentarily topped the leaderboard following the Czech Grand Prix that season, finding himself tied in points with Rossi.

Nine-time world champion Rossi led the rankings up until the final race in Valencia, but Lorenzo ultimately secured more Grand Prix victories than his teammate, with a tally of 7 to 4.

"Both of us would have secured more victories if we hadn't been competing against each other," he reflects on their shared racing history.

"However, due to our competition, we achieved greater speed."

"Today, I hold him in the highest regard.

"His charm has been a boon to us all, drawing numerous individuals nearer to global motorcycle racing and shining a spotlight on the championship."

Lorenzo's bond with Rossi remains unchanged despite his friendship with Biaggi

Throughout his career, Rossi has had competitive tensions with several notable riders, his initial major rivalry in the top division being with Max Biaggi.

Growing up, Lorenzo idolized Biaggi and eventually formed a friendship with the Italian. However, he doesn't think that this friendship affected his relationship with Rossi in any manner.

"Lorenzo mentioned that Max Biaggi was the person he looked up to the most."

When we first encountered each other, our conversation spanned a variety of topics, one of which was Valentino Rossi.

Right away, I let him know he was my top choice. I believe my bond with Max didn't influence how I connected with Rossi.

"Undoubtedly, the critical factor was the pace he demonstrated on the track."

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