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Lorenzo determined to build on stellar start

A debut premier-class success in Portugal two weeks ago made Lorenzo the fifth youngest rider to achieve the feat - outshining legendary names such as Mike Hailwood and his own team-mate Valentino Rossi - and the youngest to finish on the podium at three successive races. 

Having conquered Estoril on his first visit with the YZR-M1, a circuit at which he had never previously won in any class, Lorenzo can fully expect to be competitive at Shanghai, where he dominated with pole position, victory and a new lap record in the 250cc class last year, especially after undergoing successful surgery to cure a troublesome 'arm-pump' condition. 

"Each day I am feeling better after my operation; I feel great and I think the recovery is going very well, without problems," said Lorenzo. "I am going to China in perfect shape. The victory in Portugal was like a big present that I had never expected, but in a way it wasn't a perfect victory because I couldn't enjoy it so much! The pain in my arms changed the celebration but I believe the most important thing is to make sure I am fit for the future. I am calm because I am realizing a dream and for me the target for the season has already been reached. Now we must continue to work like this and I have to concentrate on the next race."

"I have had mixed fortunes in China - I had many problems in 2006 and I couldn't finish but last year I won and it made the championship easier because it took me to 95 points after only four races," he added. "Shanghai is a modern track with a long straight, fast corners and big braking areas. It is the second circuit where I've never ridden in MotoGP so I don't know what my performance will be like here but I was very comfortable at this track in 250cc, so I hope it will be the same on May 4th."

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