Lorenzo hits back at Agostini – “Improper from a legend like you…”
The increasingly fraught war of words between grand prix champions Jorge Lorenzo and Giacomo Agostini has taken yet another turn after the Spaniard hit back on social media with a lengthy post in which he attempts to dispel myths between the modern and historic era of racing.
The spat began originally when Agostini said he believed Lorenzo’s disappointing form at Ducati and subsequently at Honda were matters of the mind, saying ‘twice he has failed [Ducati and then Honda] and has not achieved results, after Ducati Honda. The bike is important, but sometimes it's the head that makes the difference.’
Lorenzo retorted on social media originally by quipping, “do I owe money to this man or what? He says I failed in Ducati ... Come on man! How easy it is to talk when you haven't ridden a motorcycle for 50 years.”
Undeterred, Agostini replied that the ‘truth hurts’ and contested he was within his rights to criticise the Spaniard just as much as he has previously complimented him for his successes.
The bizarre feud between two riders that can count 20 world championship titles between them shows no sign of abating, with Lorenzo responding with a lengthy Instagram post in which he compares the differences between today’s MotoGP and the era Agostini competed.
Pointing out that sheer competitiveness of today’s sport makes it far more difficult to succeed compared to when Agostini raced, he goes on to say the Italian’s assessment of his performance is ‘improper from a legend like you’
The full translated post reads:
“I hope someday, not having to deal with the new generations staying fossilised in the memories of my victories, comparing the future with my past and saying: "In my time ..."
“I think what Mr. Giacomo Agostini should understand is that each era of motorcycling has its history, each champion has its importance in the context in which it lived, both in regard to its rivals and technology.
“For example, although in the 60s you ran on circuits with a very low safety level, many times the difference between the fastest and the slowest motorcycles was around 10 seconds. Some riders enjoyed such an advantage that they could afford to run (and win) in various categories the same year.
“Although the technology was already advancing, it was still light years from the current one (we are talking about motorcycles with spoke wheels and drum brakes). In the last decades, both circuits and technology have advanced enormously. With the unique switchboard, a great balance has been achieved between all the bikes.
“The factories look for any small advantage that makes them beat their rivals and many of the victories are achieved by a few thousandths ...
“When, after 45 minutes of racing, a second separates the first from the fifth, it means that any small detail is necessary to gain some advantage and be able to win. In such a context, details such as an aerodynamic vertex, an adjustment in the electronic map or some edges in the tank become decisive for this purpose.
“Conversely, when the difference is measured in tens of seconds, minutes or even turns, the small details become insignificant. And yes, you can also be satisfied with imperfect ergonomics.
“And this, dear Giacomo, is an irrefutable truth.
“So, when someone (who knows the circumstances and facts) says that I did not get results at Ducati, I can't help but be amazed.
“With all due respect, I think that resorting to "In my time ..." or pure "resultadism" [sic] to assess the ability of a champion of the modern era, seems to me a banality improper from a legend like you.”
