To mark the end of the 2010 decade, let's look back together at the ten notable moments that made us vibrate, cry or laugh. These ten moments can be turning points in a season, transfers or even Dantesque battles. Obviously, the moments from the first years of the past decade are more significant, because we have the benefit of hindsight to better appreciate their importance in history. Today, it is time to discuss a subject that is sensitive to say the least, but while trying to dissect it and analyze it with as much perspective as possible. We are of course talking about the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix, the most controversial race of the decade, and undoubtedly, of all time.
Following the rebirth of Rossi revealed in the fourth part, the Yamaha stagnated. 2014 was completely crushed by Marc Márquez, with thirteen victories including ten in a row. He finished the year in 2nd position, ahead of his teammate who was going through a bad patch. With this, two new victories, in San Marino and Australia.
In 2015, everything changes. Yamaha shows a YZR-M1 sharper than ever. Marc Márquez has more trouble. He cannot dominate like the previous year, and even struggles to keep up with the two blues. Moreover, he crashed at the Argentine Grand Prix following contact with Rossi. A first alert, which we rightly interpret as a racing event. the Italian is in the form of his life. He leads the championship with two victories in three races. It didn't take much for the media to mention this famous “tenth title”.
Jorge Lorenzo only appears as an outsider. He only got on the podium at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, a round which he won brilliantly. “Por Fuera” should never be buried. The latter takes four victories in a row, a feat he has never achieved in his career.
At mid-season, more suspense. If the two Yamaha boys post the same points total following the Czech race, Márquez is left behind. He first fell at Mugello, then in Catalonia following an overly optimistic maneuver. He is ultimately not unbeatable, and also has his weaknesses. Six years later, the Rossi–Lorenzo duo once again dominates MotoGP. The two rivals meet to compete for a very important world crown.
Certainly, Jorge is intrinsically faster, and has more successes. But regularity is on “Vale’s” side. The tension is growing. Rossi provokes with an eloquent helmet decoration in Misano, but the opponent returns blow for blow with a no less spicy celebration in Aragón.
The wild season continues at Phillip Island. The tenors explain themselves in an absolutely Dantesque battle involving Lorenzo, Rossi, Iannone and Márquez. It is also the latter who wins the race, at the end of the effort.
Then comes the famous Malaysian Grand Prix, or the face of MotoGP changed. The traditional press conference begins, and “The doctor” breaks the internet. He publicly advocates, with “evidence” to back it up, that Márquez is doing his best to help Lorenzo win the title. The assembly is stunned. In question ? The pace of the No. 93 in Australia, who would have tried to slow him down and create a gap with Jorge.
Marc Márquez, livid, does not know what to say. Lorenzo, no less shocked, tries to explain his point of view. After the fall of this leaden blanket on the assembly, the session ends.
Sunday promises to be electric. The race begins, with Dani Pedrosa in good form. Jorge Lorenzo is already showing his fangs, and gets rid of Márquez quite quickly. The person concerned doesn't seem to be giving his all, but once again, it's difficult to judge. Rossi finally gets to him, and things get out of hand. They engage in a breathtaking battle, touching each other, surpassing each other again and again.
Márquez seems aggressive as can be, but without going over the limit; “The doctor” doesn’t understand what’s happening. In the penultimate turn, a very technical “right”, he widens, and gets up to try to make Márquez understand that things must be calmed down. Then comes the incident. With a huge I. Five years later, no one is able to explain what really happened.
Two versions stand out. Some claim that Rossi intentionally kicked Márquez, causing the fall, while others claim that the Spaniard deliberately crashed into his rival. Still, a pilot is on the ground. He gets up and returns to the pits. The race is also for Dani Pedrosa, but everyone's eyes are glued to the Yamaha and Honda boxes, waiting for explanations.
The story intentionally ends here. Because from there, it's all a question of point of view. That said, nothing is all black or all white. No one is completely out of the blame. Sepang and the race management, however, deprive us of a potential contest in Valencia, despite the incredible comeback of Valentino Rossi. No tenth title, but a huge controversy.
