Rossi declines Marquez handshake

Valentino Rossi insisted he has ‘no problem’ with MotoGP rival Marc Marquez – but then refused to shake the Honda rider’s hand.

The sport’s biggest stars clashed repeatedly in 2015, leading up to the infamous Sepang encounter.

An uneasy truce then developed during 2016, including a first handshake in Catalunya, but their feud was reignited earlier this year when Marquez brought Rossi down in Argentina.

When asked about a recent interview where Marquez was quoted as saying he would like to make peace with Rossi, the Italian replied:

“I hear this, but I don’t know… It sounds to me a bit strange, because in reality we don’t have any problem between me and Marc.

“So I don’t know why we have to make peace. For me it’s okay.”

Marquez offers his hand, but Rossi declines…

Rossi: “We don’t need to shake the hand. We are okay. We don’t have any problem.”

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— .NET/MotoGP (@_motogp) September 6, 2018

Following those comments, Rossi and Marquez were asked if they would be prepared to shake hands as in the past.

Marquez: “For me it’s nice [to hear Rossi say there is no problem] and of course if it’s no problem [for him], for me no problem… “

The Spaniard then offered the handshake, but Rossi kept his arms crossed, smiled and shook his head from side to side.

With a smile, Marquez responded: “It’s like this. I mean, what can I say? Already, second time. No problem, I will race the same.”

Rossi, also smiling, added: “We don’t need to shake the hand. We are okay. We don’t have any problem.”

The exchange is sure to add some extra spice and motivation for both riders at this weekend’s Misano MotoGP, held at Rossi’s local track.

The pair are currently first and second in the world championship, albeit with Marquez 59-points clear of Rossi, who is yet to win a race this year.

Rossi has won seven MotoGP titles, with Marquez on course to win a fifth premier-class crown this season.

Asked how it feels to race at a circuit where the crowd are so heavily supporting Rossi, Marquez replied:

“I’m just feeling that I’m leading the championship and riding really well. I feel in a sweet moment.”

Ducati rider Lorenzo quipped: “If I was looking in the grandstands, I would not be a MotoGP rider! So it’s okay.”