Jack Miller has called for the “immature” feud between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi to end, and says fighting should take place on track and not within the media.
Rossi and Marquez reignited their war which started in 2015 after the pair once again collided in the closing stages of the Argentine Grand Prix, with Marquez forcing Rossi to crash in an aggressive move into the penultimate corner.
Marquez – who was handed a 30-second penalty for the incident – later denied any wrongdoing, the Honda rider feeling his attempt at a pass was “nothing crazy”, while Rossi slammed him for “destroying” the sport in a collision he felt was deliberate.
When asked what he thought needs to happen in the wake of the Argentina race, Pramac's Miller urged everyone to move on from the incident, referencing the 2011 fallout between the late Marco Simoncelli – who was killed in an accident at Sepang later that year – and Dani Pedrosa, who broke his collarbone in a crash with the Italian at Le Mans.
“I think they need to control it a little bit better, the fighting inside the paddock,” began Miller.
“We are here to race motorcycles and we're here to fight, but the fight should stay on the track and not try to fight so much in the media.
“I think that's one of the clearest things, there are a lot of people coming here, journalists especially, coming at you, trying to get you to say something to mess up and I don't think it's the correct way.
“I understand everyone is looking for a great story and wants to get as many viewers as possible, but it's sometimes not the correct way.
He added: “I'm seeing this situation unfold and a lot of people picking sides, and I just want to refresh peoples minds about Marco Simoncelli and Dani Pedrosa, and how that ended.
“We are all here racing, risking our lives, and I think for these fans to pick sides and to fight against each other and also for the riders to fight against each other is quite silly and immature.
“They are quite old and they have to remember life is short, and we are risking our lives here.”
Rossi: No change in Marquez opinion
When asked if he had reconsidered his opinion on his clash with Marquez, Rossi said he “confirmed” his thoughts having watched the race back, and doesn't think there will be any reconciliation talks between the pair anytime soon.
“Sincerely, I looked [back over] the race. I think exactly what I say after Argentina, so I confirm all my words. But it is better to look forward.
“Maybe is not the time yet [to discuss the situation with Marquez], maybe in the future.”
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