Marco Bezzecchi
Valentino Rossi’s best chance to win a record eighth premier class championship came and went in 2015 after a brutal end to the season.
Locked in a tight battle with Jorge Lorenzo for the title with two races to go, the Italian rider had the upper hand and an 11-point advantage.
Rossi felt aggrieved at the time, after finishing an Australian Grand Prix in fourth where he felt his teammate had received assistance from Honda’s Marc Marquez.
The championship was perfectly poised, with Yamaha’s two riders guaranteed to end Marquez’s run of two consecutive titles at that stage.
A stunning incident at the Malaysian Grand Prix would change Rossi’s reputation forever after a heated battle with his Spanish rival.
It completely split a fanbase and had a major effect on the championship race as Lorenzo managed to avoid all the trouble.
Valentino Rossi’s kick on Marc Marquez ‘divided’ fans and changed his reputation
During an intense two-lap battle with Marquez for third place, Rossi collided with the Spaniard which resulted in him retiring from the race.
The seven-time champion was able to continue and finished in third, just behind his title rival Lorenzo who claimed second.
Rossi was accused of kicking Marquez off his bike, while others were unimpressed with the young rider’s attempt to interfere with the title battle.
It was Rossi who was to be handed a penalty, starting the final race of the season from last place. He missed out on the title by five points, making the incident one that probably cost him an eighth crown.
“I think that Valentino’s action with Marquez, caused this, well, other actions that he had, but above all, this caused the fans to become very divided,” said Carlos Checa.
“There are like two fanbases. Valentino didn’t like that.”
How Valentino Rossi managed to annoy another MotoGP rival in 2008
Casey Stoner lost respect for Rossi after an overtake at Laguna Seca back in 2008, while the two were favourites to compete for the title.
Stoner felt that his rival had been a bit too ambitious in a move at the corkscrew on lap 23, before sailing into the distance and taking the win.
The Italian finished a runaway winner that season, but they were closely matched halfway through the season at the time.
READ MORE: How Valentino Rossi really feels about VR46 MotoGP team after missing 2025 launch
It’s a trait of great champions across all forms of sport – not being afraid to upset your rivals in pursuit of winning. Just ask Formula 1’s Max Verstappen, he knows the reality of that well.
Ex-boss Davide Brivio says he shouldn’t say Yamaha gave something to Rossi after the two managed five championships together.
His move was considered a risk at the time but helped to forge an incredible legacy, even if some of his moves on the track overshadowed his talents and achievements.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
