Jorge Lorenzo has issued a scathing reply aimed at fellow MotoGP rider Johann Zarco after the Frenchman commented he couldn’t be compared to the former Honda rider because he doesn’t care as much about money and has a mortgage to pay.
In an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, the Frenchman was discussing his brief tenure with the KTM factory team and explaining how he couldn’t bring himself to see out the two-year contract with the Austrian manufacturer for the pay cheque alone.
Exiting the team just a little over six months into the deal, Zarco – who will compete with Avintia Ducati this season – disputed any comparisons to that of Lorenzo, who struggled on the Repsol Honda before announcing his retirement, saying he ‘cares much less’ than the Spaniard does about money.
Going on to say he has a mortgage on his house to pay, he adds he doesn’t have the same security of Lorenzo because he lives in a country where he has to pay taxes.
“I think he was more afraid for money than me,” Zarco said. “I think that's why he waited so long. But I don't have the same way of thinking as him.
“I care much less [about money] than him. I had to ask for a loan to have my house. He lives in a country where he doesn't pay taxes, or he pays few taxes. I live in France, I pay my taxes and a mortgage. I had many reasons to continue for money, but I didn't.”
Jorge Lorenzo: "Why does Zarco continue to pay a mortgage...?"
Though Zarco has become somewhat infamous for his pointed honesty at the behest of other members in the MotoGP paddock, his words clearly struck a nerve with Lorenzo who took to social media to deliver a scathing retort that questioned why a double World Champion wasn’t earning enough to buy his house…
“I don’t like talking about the economic situation of others, everyone does what he can with what he has. However, given that he has been interested in something that does not concern him and I have been asked about it, I say that I think Zarco should ask himself why after 10 years in MotoGP, two titles and a signature with KTM that he continues to pay a mortgage…”
Ouch…
