The season opening GP of Qatar saw another Spanish sweep in the three categories. Viñales and Marquez won their respective Moto3 and Moto2 races, while the MotoGP podium saw Spanish riders on the top two steps: Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa. There was a time when the two riders didn't get along, almost like a younger version of the Rossi-Biaggi rivalry, as they were characterized by very different riding styles and personalities. But as both riders matured and circumstances changed, the rivalry took on more friendly tones.
"We met each other in 1999 – Lorenzo (JL) said during a conversation with Pedrosa, published in the latest edition of El Pais and written by Nadia Tronchoni – I was doing the Aprilia Cup and Dani was doing the Movistar Cup."
"We only started speaking after we had been racing together for a few years. We didn't get along very well," recalled Pedrosa (DP).
JL: "This was the case until 2008, when the King persuaded us to shake hands on the podium."
DP: "I don't think either of us were expecting that, or at least I certainly wasn't. The King was trying to teach us some good manners. Perhaps we were still too young to understand, but it forced us to look at things from another perspective."
JL: "At the time, I didn't understand why he did it, but then I realized he was right. Two sportsmen from the same country, with the same objectives, should always respect one another. They don't necessarily have to be good friends, but they should at least maintain a cordial and sincere relationship."
DP: "From that day onward, the tension between us began to diminish. Maybe we matured, but it was clear that such an intense rivalry wasn't necessary."
Looking now at the present season, what do you think about the current state of MotoGP?
DP: "This year the bikes, engines and tires have changed. Some CRT's are already pretty strong, but it's still too early to know how much excitement will be added. The Aprilias, for example, are losing ground on the straights, but they are fast in the corners. Others, however, force you to run different lines, otherwise you could hit them."
JL: "The CRT's aren't a perfect solution, but it's better than last year. Having 20 bikes on the grid is a great feeling, and I'm sure they will improve a lot in the coming years."
Last year, both Lorenzo and Pedrosa spoke out against Marco Simoncelli's aggressive riding style. How did his death affect them?
JL: "It was really hard, and it still is. There was some controversy between us, and we weren't getting along. But when certain things happen, you realize the risks involved in this sport, and the misunderstandings take a back seat to that."
DP: "I think exactly the same thing. I'd only like to add a few words for Joan Lascorz. I send my regards to him and his family. Certain accidents should never happen, and it's just wrong."
The 2012 season has just begun, but if Qatar was any indication, we could see Pedrosa and Lorenzo battling often on track this year. For now the relationship has remained cordial, and it will be interesting to see if it stays that way.
source: GP One
