After their crash in Argentina last time out, Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi will be at the centre of attention again when the MotoGP season continues at Jerez.

On the penultimate lap in Buenos Aires, double defending champion Marquez clipped the back of Rossi's Yamaha and span out, leaving the Italian to take victory.

That success saw Rossi move six points clear of Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso at the top of the standings, while Marquez of Repsol Honda is fifth, 30 points back.

Rossi, a six-time MotoGP champion and winner at Jerez on five occasions, has recovered some of his vintage form in 2015, with two wins sandwiching a third-placed finish to begin his campaign.

And Marquez, 14 years his junior, has revealed how the Italian was his idol growing up.

"When I was a small boy I had many Valentino Rossi motorbike models," he told The Guardian.

"I was a big fan. I like the way he rides the bike, the way he is off the bike too. Valentino was my reference, my hero and it is now a pleasure to fight with him.

"Valentino and me have a similar mentality. When you have a fight you enjoy the race.

"One of the most beautiful things on the bike is the overtaking and we both like that – and winning.

"That's why this season is very interesting because Valentino is at a good level and I will come back strong. The Ducatis are also there.

"In one way I feel less pressure. I am 30 points behind so now the only thing I can do is improve and win. It's the same if you are 30 or 80 points behind. You just have to win.

"My mentality is always to win. I never think, 'okay, I might want to finish second', but I can improve and maybe in the race I can adjust better."

Marquez's preparations for this race have not been without concern, after an accident on a dirt track left him needing surgery to the little finger on his left hand.

The injury is not thought to be too much of a hindrance for Sunday's race, although his team-mate Dani Pedrosa will miss his third straight meeting following arm surgery.