Lorenzo Eyes Happy Return to Jerez
Added on Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Lorenzo has happy memories of Jerez circuit (Photo: Yamaha Racing)
Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo says that he is looking forward to racing in front of a home crowd in Jerez this weekend following a superb MotoGP debut in Qatar.
The Spaniard claimed second on his MotoGP debut in Losail three weeks ago and is amongst the favourites to challenge Casey Stoner in round 2 this Sunday - a challenge that he is very much looking forward to.
“Qatar was unbelievable and something I will remember forever,” said the double 250cc world champion.
“I’ve felt great since and now I’m really excited about the next one. I never expected to be going into only my second MotoGP race in such a great position in the classification.”
“However, I know it will be hard work for me again in Jerez and it’s still just my second race on the M1. I will have to work and focus very hard in practice if I want to be able to repeat the Qatar experience.”
Lorenzo has a strong record in Jerez, having won the two 250cc races at the southern Spanish circuit whilst he also became the youngest rider to take part in a grand prix when he qualified for the 125cc race on his 15th birthday in 2002.
“Jerez for me last year was a fantastic race,” he said. “I took pole position and the victory and I also won in 2006 so I have some great memories of racing here.
“Jerez is undoubtedly a special track for me. It’s my home, I know it very well and it’s the track where I rode in my very first GP in 2002.
“I feel quite different going to race in Spain now compared to last year when I was in 250. Now I am at the top and I feel very much in the spotlight. Qatar changed everything for me and now I hope that I can continue in the same way in front of my home fans.”
