MotoGP news

Lorenzo delighted after setting pace

Fiat Yamaha Team rookie Jorge Lorenzo proved he is ready for his MotoGP debut with an impressive display at the final pre-season test in Qatar tonight. The 20-year-old topped the time sheets on the second night of floodlit testing at the desert circuit, lapping half a second under the existing pole record on Michelin qualifying tyres.

Lorenzo, who was victorious in the 250cc race here last year, was also fast throughout the day on race tyres as he worked on refining the setting of his M1 in preparation for his competitive entry into the premier-class. His race simulation towards the end of the night's work heralded impressive results before he tried out some qualifying tyres, setting his lap of 1'54.552 on his 73rd and final lap. His team-mate Valentino Rossi had a few issues to address meanwhile and finished the night in tenth place.

"I am very happy because we have done two days of testing with a very good rhythm throughout," said Lorenzo. "Our performance has been consistent, which is very important after the trouble we had at the last test and this makes me confident for the first race. The race simulation today was really positive, although I think we still need to do some work on the rear of the bike which might allow us to be a bit faster. Despite all these positive signs we must keep our feet on the ground, because I have never raced with the other riders and the first race will be a new experience for me! Next week many things will be different so we must remain focused and hopefully maintain a good rhythm. I am happy because I think people understand now that I am ready for this, and this is very important for me and for my confidence. I do not have experience in MotoGP so I cannot say how this championship will turn out, but let's say that without experience the winter tests were good and with some experience the championship might be even better!"

more news

• 05 Oct.
  • Photos: Sunday at Phillip Island
  • Stoner dominates home Grand Prix
• 04 Oct.
  • Photos: Saturday at Phillip Island
  • Stoner on pole at home Grand Prix
• 03 Oct.
  • Photos: Friday at Phillip Island
• 02 Oct.
  • Elias to replace Nakano at Gresini
• 28 Sep.
  • Photos: Sunday in Motegi
  • Lorenzo misses out on podium
  • Pedrosa happy with podium
  • Stoner concedes title to Rossi
  • Rossi savours 'hardest fight' for title
  • Rossi takes sixth MotoGP title with victory at Motegi
• 27 Sep.
  • Bug ruins Stoner's shot at pole
  • Lorenzo celebrates stunning pole
  • Rossi disappointed with fourth
  • Photos: Saturday in Motegi
  • Lorenzo on pole at Motegi
• 26 Sep.
  • Photos: Friday in Motegi
  • Rossi looking for more grip
  • Stoner happy with Friday pace
  • Stoner back on top at Montegi practice
  • Dovizioso to join Repsol Honda in 2009
  • JiR to quit MotoGP
• 24 Sep.
  • Rossi aims to wrap up title in Japan
  • Stoner hoping for better result at Montegi
• 15 Sep.
  • Ducati confirms Hayden for 2009
  • Hayden and Honda to split
• 14 Sep.
  • Photos: Sunday in Indianapolis
  • Rossi celebrates making history
  • Stoner reflects on fourth
  • Rossi takes Indianapolis victory
  • Kawasaki confirms Melandri for 2009
• 13 Sep.
  • Photos: Saturday in Indianapolis
  • Rossi beats Stoner to Indy pole
• 12 Sep.
  • Stoner happy despite crash
  • Photos: Friday in Indianapolis
  • Rossi hopes for better weather
  • West finishes wet first day on top
  • West sets early pace in wet
• 09 Sep.
  • Yamaha riders unveil new R1 in Las Vegas

Homepage