Lorenzo's Italian sponsor quits after Rossi furore

Yamaha MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo of Spain looks on before the qualifying round of the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 24, 2015. REUTERS/Olivia Harris

(Reuters) - An Italian watch company that sponsors Spanish rider Jorge Lorenzo is to quit MotoGP as a result of a bitter controversy that has hit the title hopes of Yamaha team mate Valentino Rossi.

Italian Rossi leads championship rival Lorenzo by seven points ahead of Sunday's finale in Valencia but has been sent to the back of the grid after clashing with Spaniard Marc Marquez in Malaysia.