Verbal clash between Lorenzo and Simoncelli

Reigning MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo and Gresini's Honda's Marco Simoncelli exchanged the following words in the post-qualifying press conference at Estoril.

The exchange began when Simoncelli was asked if he had read recent comments by Lorenzo, in which the Factory Yamaha star criticised Simoncelli for his 'dangerous' riding style.

Lorenzo and Simoncelli will start first and second in Sunday's Portuguese Grand Prix...

Marco Simoncelli:
Yes I read something he tell about my riding style. I don't know, for me he said some wrong thing, because he said that last year at Valencia I touched him and maybe he would crash.

But it is not true because I was in front and he tried to pass me. He made a mistake. He harmed me. His tyre was on my leathers from the leg to the shoulder. So for me it is not the correct example.

Another thing is that some years ago he was disqualified by Race Direction for his aggressive riding style. So for me he said the wrong thing.

[Simoncelli sits back and looks over at Lorenzo, sitting next to him].

Jorge Lorenzo
For my side I think yesterday I speak the right words. For me it is not a problem. If in the future nothing happens it is not a problem. We will see what happens in the future.

Marco Simoncelli:
Yes but you did a wrong example, for me, of Valencia [laughter from journalists].

Jorge Lorenzo
I think you have a lot of touching with a lot of riders.

Marco Simoncelli:
Yes but your example was wrong, for me.

Jorge Lorenzo
How many races I haven't crashed or touched any other riders.

Marco Simoncelli:
I said your example was wrong.

Jorge Lorenzo
This is your opinion. I think a lot of people here in the paddock, a lot of riders, have the same opinion as me.

Marco Simoncelli:
Try to ask [who]?

Jorge Lorenzo
Dovizioso for example... Aoyama...

Marco Simoncelli:
Ahhhh ask Dovizioso from 2005?

Jorge Lorenzo
It doesn't matter if in the future nothing happens, it is not a problem for me. But if in the future something happens with you it will be a problem.

Marco Simoncelli:
Ok. I will be arrested!

[Laugher from Simoncelli and journalists, Lorenzo not amused].

Jorge Lorenzo
Everyone is laughing, but it is not funny because we are playing with our lives and riding at 200mph. On bikes that are very powerful and very heavy. It is not mini-bikes. It is a dangerous sport, so you have to think what you do.

[Lorenzo looks at Simoncelli and shrugs. Simoncelli nods].