Dovizioso: Argentina clash 'will affect everything'

The Argentina MotoGP clash between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi clearly has major implications for the riders directly involved.

But what is the impact, if any, on their competitors?

Andrea Dovizioso and Johann Zarco indicated that both Marquez and Rossi could be weakened by the incident, which saw Rossi fall after contact from Marquez.

"For sure it will affect everything," said Dovizioso, title runner-up to Marquez last season.

"Because when something like that happens, every time they will fight there is a past. And it will affect everybody for sure."

Zarco added: "I really hope it doesn't bring negative things to our championship, but I think the difficult situation these riders are living now can give us the opportunity to get victories and move this championship a little bit more.

"So I almost see it as a positive thing for us."

But Suzuki's Alex Rins was disappointed it had overshadowed his debut podium.

"When something happens like in Argentina - for example I did a podium, and they talk more about the situation [between Rossi and Marquez] than my podium. I think we should talk more about the important things."

Race winner Cal Crutchlow was probably the least concerned:

"It doesn't affect my life in one instance. I got to go home safe, see my family, eat my food and do what I want to do. It didn’t affect my life until we had questions in the media today. Simple as that."