Jorge Lorenzo explains why his relationship with Valentino Rossi was filled with ‘total tension’ in MotoGP

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Jorge Lorenzo may have retired from MotoGP six years ago, but fans still have fond memories of some of his triumphs and battles in the premier class.

The Spaniard claimed three titles between 2010 and 2015, before retiring from the sport at the end of 2019 following a successful career.

He was a part of what many would consider to be the golden era, and went head-to-head with Valentino Rossi for top honours on multiple occasions.

Lorenzo is remembered as a feisty rider and was the first teammate to really stamp some authority over Rossi. At the time, it was quite remarkable.

After a fierce German Grand Prix battle, Lorenzo was once ‘proud’ to lose to Rossi in 2009, his second season, dicing at the highest level.

However, Lorenzo was once furious at Marc Marquez and didn’t have the best of relationships with some of his closest rivals. After all, he was there to win.

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Jorge Lorenzo says Valentino Rossi relationship was ‘total tension’ in MotoGP

Rossi has been branded a maniac and would always put on a show for his fans when he turned up to race. It’s why they adore him.

Since 2021, neither he nor Lorenzo have been on the grid, taking time to enjoy life away from motorcycles and the dangers that come with them.

Now that the two are no longer competing with each other, Lorenzo has offered an insight into their relationship through the years.

“When we were riders, total tension, because we were hyper competitive. Two divas, very proud, and we thought we were the best,” he said.

“So the further apart we were, the better the relationship was. Of course, after we stopped, there’s no need to be the highest of the best, so I wouldn’t say we’re friends, but we have a cordial relationship.”

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How close did Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo have to be at Yamaha?

Lorenzo would ‘risk crashing’ against Rossi just to get a chance of beating him. They spent seven seasons together as teammates at Yamaha.

That was in two separate spells from 2008 to 2010, and 2013 to 2016, with Rossi trying a spell at Ducati in between.

The most intense things ever got on track for them was in 2015, when they battled closely for the world championship.

In the end, Rossi fell short, but not after one of the most drama-filled conclusions to a campaign in history. Their battle really was for the ages.