Lorenzo fit and ready for Le Mans
Added on Thursday, May 14th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Lorenzo fit and ready for Le Mans
Jorge Lorenzo goes into French grand prix in full fitness and with every reason to be optimistic this weekend.
The Yamaha rider, despite a crash in Jerez two weeks ago, claims that he has suffered no ill-effects from the tumble and will head to Le Mans with no injury worries for round four of the MotoGP championship.
It is in stark contrast to last season where Lorenzo, following a spectacular high-side in Shanghai in the previous round, went to Le Mans despite suffering from broken bones in both ankles before going on to defy the odds and secure a surprising second-place finish behind teammate Valentino Rossi.
Yamaha also completed a clean sweep that day with Tech 3 rider Colin Edwards also on the podium and Lorenzo is targeting another place on the rostrum in 2009 – without the crutches.
“Le Mans is the next stop and the first after my crash in Jerez,” he said. “I was very sad about what happened there but now it is another story, everything begins again and I must try to do things step by step. The team and I need to improve after Jerez and main target is to get back on the podium.
“I am fit and I like Le Mans, another historic circuit. For someone like me that loves films, Le Mans is a mythical place, close to one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
“I have had some difficult times there, and last year wasn’t easy because I crashed twice during the weekend, but in the end the result was good. I’ve been on the podium in each category and I will remember forever the incredible Yamaha podium of last year. It was amazing! I can see now Valentino, Colin and I enjoying the moment with all the Yamaha people smiling!
“I hope this year we can repeat that moment. I will also remember that podium because it’s the only one where I was on crutches!”
Valentino Rossi also has happy memories of the circuit, being the venue for his first win of 2008 and the scene of his 90th career victory.
The world champion said: “My memories of Le Mans last year are amazing because it was my 90th career victory and I made the lap of honour with Angel Nieto on my bike with me, because I equalled his record.
“Also there were three Yamaha’s on the podium, which was very special. Things are great in our team at the moment, we made a big step forward in Jerez; my bike was fantastic and it was great to win again.
“Le Mans is a very different track but the Yamaha is always fast there; this year a lot of things have changed but I hope we will still be quick! It’s good to have a rest between races after two together and now we will arrive in Le Mans fully relaxed and ready to work on maximum power.”
