MotoGP news

Lorenzo impressive on return to home soil

New Fiat Yamaha Team rider Jorge Lorenzo completed a promising first day of testing at the Official MotoGP tests in Jerez today. Although he rode the Yamaha here last November, today is the first time the 250cc World Champion has ridden on home soil in Fiat Yamaha colours as an official Yamaha rider, and the rookie marked an impressive day by finishing third fastest overall.

Lorenzo started from the base setting he found here last November and spent the day developing his race set-up and testing both front and rear Michelin tyres, with positive results all round and some excellent times on race tyres. At the end of the day the 20-year-old put in an impressive lap on a qualifying tyre, setting a time of 1'39.528 on his 94th lap. His team-mate Valentino Rossi was eighth after setting his best lap on race tyres in a time of 1'40.641. 

"This morning things didn't start so well and I had a few problems, especially with the wind, but step-by-step we made some changes and I started to improve and feel better and better," said Lorenzo. "We made some good changes to the bike and the chassis and finally we started to make improvements with the front end in the braking areas. We made a big step with the engine as well today, and we have some more power now. I have gained confidence today and I think in the end it's been my best day so far. After the problems we had in Sepang, I can't believe that we made such a good time on race tyres and the third best on qualifying tyres! Like I said, it was my best day despite the problems this morning but tomorrow I would like to have an even better one where everything is good right from the start!"

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