The “Nicest” Grid in History? Lorenzo Throws Down the Gauntlet
Jorge Lorenzo is not here for the bromances. The five-time World Champion has taken a look at the current MotoGP paddock and, frankly, he’s bored of all the “likes” and group hugs.
In a world of corporate-friendly PR and mutual respect, Lorenzo is nostalgic for the days when the garage was a war zone and the air was thick with “pure hatred.”
“The Wall” vs. The Handshake
Lorenzo knows a thing or two about being the “villain.” Remember when:
- The Yamaha Great Wall: He and Valentino Rossi literally built a wall in their shared garage because they couldn’t stand the sight of each other.
- The Spanish Civil War: His rivalry with Dani Pedrosa was so toxic that Pedrosa famously refused to shake his hand at Jerez in 2008.
“There were front pages filled with pure hatred. At that time, everyone was talking about our rivalry.” — Jorge Lorenzo
MotoGP’s Current State: All “Likes” and No Spikes?
Lorenzo’s main gripe? The modern grid feels more like a Sunday brunch than a gladiatorial arena.
- The Respect Trap: When Marco Bezzecchi crashed into Marc Marquez in Indonesia, he was “deeply apologetic,” and Marquez told fans not to criticize him.
- The Mentor Problem: Instead of psychological warfare, Marquez has been spotted giving championship rival Pecco Bagnaia advice on how to improve his form.
Lorenzo’s verdict: It’s too soft. He’s looking for the next “extreme” character who doesn’t come to the track to swap stickers.
The Only “Haters” Left Standing?
According to Lorenzo, there are only two guys keeping the edge alive:
- Pedro Acosta: The rookie sensation. Lorenzo loves him because he “doesn’t come to make friends.”
- Marc Marquez: Still has that shark-like instinct, though he’s softened slightly with age (and injuries).
The Next Potential Explosion? 🧨
If you’re looking for drama, keep your eyes on the Aprilia garage.
- Jorge Martin vs. Marco Bezzecchi: These two have “history” from the lower classes, and now they’re sharing a box. With Martin back to full fitness and Bezzecchi trying to keep his alpha status at Aprilia, the “cordial” atmosphere might just evaporate.
The Big Question: Does MotoGP need a villain to be successful? Or is the high-speed racing enough without the middle fingers?
Lorenzo might be right to complain about the “friendliness,” but the standings show a different kind of ruthlessness. We are currently in January 2026, which means the bikes haven’t even hit the grid for Round 1 in Thailand yet.
However, looking at how 2025 ended, the “tension” Lorenzo is begging for might just come from a family feud and a rookie who doesn’t care about feelings.
The Final 2025 Standings (The Launchpad for 2026)
Marc Marquez didn’t just win in 2025; he staged the “greatest comeback in sporting history,” taking his 7th premier class title (tying Valentino Rossi). But look who was chasing him:
| Pos | Rider | Team | 2025 Points |
| 1 | Marc Marquez | Ducati Lenovo | 545 |
| 2 | Alex Marquez | Gresini Ducati | 467 |
| 3 | Marco Bezzecchi | Aprilia Racing | 353 |
| 4 | Pedro Acosta | Red Bull KTM | 307 |
| 5 | Pecco Bagnaia | Ducati Lenovo | 288 |
Why 2026 Could Actually Get “Spicy”
- The Brotherly Breakup: Marc Marquez has already fired the first psychological shot for 2026. He stated that because Alex (now on a factory-spec GP26) is his primary rival, he will no longer call him “brother” on the track—just “Alex.” That’s cold even by Lorenzo’s standards.
- The Aprilia Civil War: Jorge Martin (the “Martinator”) is finally fit and looking to reclaim his alpha status at Aprilia. But Marco Bezzecchi blossomed into a winner in 2025 and isn’t about to step aside for the newcomer.
- The Wildcard: Toprak Razgatlıoğlu is officially entering MotoGP with Pramac Yamaha. He’s famous for aggressive, “stoppie-style” entries. If anyone is going to rub fairings and upset the “friendly” vibe, it’s him.
What’s Next?
The 2026 season officially kicks off in Thailand on March 1st. Before that, we have the Sepang Shakedown at the end of January, where we’ll see if the “friendship” survives the first high-speed block pass of the year.
Source
- The Original Article: Jorge Lorenzo says MotoGP needs real rivalries again, ‘the riders are all friends’ (Crash.net)
- Detailed Interview Breakdown: Lorenzo: “Now the riders are all friends… the sport needs rivalry” (Moto.it – Italian)
- The Pedrosa Conflict: Lorenzo on DAZN: “The tension with Dani Pedrosa was unbearable” (Mundo Deportivo – Spanish)
The “Sepang Clash” & Documentary Context
Since the sport is currently revisiting the infamous 2015 season through a new documentary, these links provide the essential backstory:
- The Documentary Launch: Liberty Media prepares explosive documentary on Rossi-Marquez Sepang affair (Paddock GP)
- The “Kick” History: Why the Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez Sepang ‘kick’ still divides fans 10 years later (Motorsport.com)
- Bagnaia’s Take: Pecco Bagnaia calls for “sensitivity” as Sepang Clash documentary airs (Motorsport.com)
The 2026 Season Outlook
- 2026 Calendar: Official MotoGP 2026 Season Launch – Thailand GP (MotoGP Official)
- Rider Transfers: Jorge Martin’s move to Aprilia and the 2026 Grid (Crash.net)
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