[Video] MotoGP: Rossi and Márquez shook hands in Argentina

A year ago, on the Termas de Rio Hondo route which was the scene of a Argentine Grand Prix marked by twists and turns and tensions, the relations between Márquez and Red had deteriorated further. But in 2019, and in the same place, it was rather the scenario of appeasement that was played out.

In 2018, in Argentina, the conflict between the two men, born from the end of the 2015 season and the incident at Sepang, had just worsened. The fault was a collision during the race which left the Yamaha rider on the ground. The Honda official then wanted to apologize but he only encountered hostility in the Yamaha box. In Misano, the Spaniard attempted reconciliation at a press conference by extending his hand to the Doctor. Who had refused him, leaving the Spaniard in complete disarray.

Since then, nothing until the arrival of this Argentine Grand Prix and these images…

This could be considered an important gesture capable of marking a new beginning between the two champions, based on mutual respect and admiration. Marc Marquez commented : " he congratulated me and without any problem I shook his hand which he extended to me. I accept his congratulations and it is clear that I accept his greetings. I didn't expect it, but I accepted because I have nothing against him. Refusing someone's congratulations means they must have done something very serious and I have nothing against Valentino. So far everything has gone very well. Of course there is rivalry, but it remains on the track"

He finishes : " I never had any problems with him. I actually reached out to Misano and did the same to him a year ago when what happened happened because I thought it was my mistake and I had been punished for thishas ".

A handshake bringing together 16 titles bodes well for the future of the relationship between these two enormous champions who we only want to see as opponents on the track. Sport is about unity, not division.