Spain's Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda clinched his third world title in four years in Japan a fortnight ago, shifting the focus to nine-time champion Rossi and his teammate and rival Lorenzo.
They return to Malaysia's steamy Sepang circuit where Rossi last year was accused of sending Marquez sliding out of the race with a kick, earning the Italian legend a back-of-the-grid start in the season decider at Valencia.
Rossi later suggested that the penalty -- and what he called collusion between fellow Spaniards Lorenzo and Marquez to thwart him in Valencia -- cost him the championship.
"Of course the relationship (with Rossi) has changed a little bit," Marquez said Thursday, referring to the fallout from Sepang.
"Now we have a professional relationship, nothing else."
Asked to respond, Rossi said coolly: "I agree with Marc."
Rossi, 37, blew his hopes of catching Marquez this year to secure a 10th world title when he fell in Japan.
But he rides into the Malaysia Grand Prix with momentum after a strong podium last weekend at the Australian Grand Prix.
Rossi fought back at Phillip Island from 15th on the grid to take second place behind Cal Crutchlow.
With two races left, that gave him a 24-point lead over Lorenzo, who put in a relatively lacklustre sixth-place showing in Australia.
