Agostini or Hailwood? Lorenzo picks Rossi
Jorge Lorenzo paid Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi a huge compliment during the Misano pre-event press conference on Thursday.
When the riders were asked to choose between motorcycle grand prix legends Mike Hailwood or Giacomo Agostini, the reigning double world champion replied:
"Is it possible to say Valentino? I didn't see either Hailwood or Agostini race, but I know Giacomo... and so I would say Giacomo.
"But also I have the honour to race Valentino and for me Valentino is one of the greatest. So if I could choose one of these three, I would say Valentino."
Lorenzo and Rossi endured a frosty relationship as team-mates between 2008-2010, but have formed a much more amiable partnership since the Italian's Yamaha return in 2013.
Rossi, after thanking Lorenzo, answered as follows: "I am older than the other guys but still not enough to see Ago and Hailwood race. Difficult question. Ago won more but for a lot of people Hailwood was the man who made more difference. But because I am Italian, I will say Agostini!"
Agostini holds the all-time record for grand prix titles, with a total of 15 in the 500cc and 350cc classes between 1966 and 1977. Agostini's eight 500cc crowns mean he is the only rider with more premier-class titles than Rossi.
Briton Hailwood, who Rossi previously paid tribute to upon matching his 76 GPs in 2005, claimed nine world titles between 1961 and 1967 ( 4 x 500cc, 2 x 350cc and 2 x 250cc).
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
