The video will start in 8 Cancel

The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox Sign up today! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

(Image: GETTY)

Rossi has a long-lasting feud with Marquez - which flared up last season when the Italian was edged off the track by the world champion in Argentina.

Yamaha man Rossi was furious with Marquez, refusing to shake his rival’s hand after the incident.

But Puig says the veteran rider had little to be miffed about.

“At no time have I seen Marquez out of line, doing anything malicious towards Rossi,” he told Spanish outlet La Vanguardia.

“It was always race incidents.

“I respect Rossi, but in life everything has its moment. And like it or not, Marc is number one [now].”

Puig added: “Valentino has been a terrific rider. He has all of my respect.

“At his age [39], he still has the desire, the talent to go fast and he doesn't accept not being able to win.

(Image: AFP)

“But he's having a hard time accepting that his moment is over. Sometimes the methods he uses are not the right ones.

“Marquez doesn't care at all about the tide of opinions that is being generated from Vale's environment.

“On the contrary, we have sensed weakness in their actions.”

Puig revealed what Marquez is like away from the track.

“Marc doesn't act like a superstar, he doesn't pretend to be someone he isn't,” he added.

“He has the humility and curiosity to listen, to learn and to have respect.

“When he gets on the bike, he is a real killer, which is what he has to be. He's a machine programmed to go at full speed.”