Lorenzo not 100% for Qatar
Added on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Lorenzo not 100% for Qatar
Jorge Lorenzo has admitted that he is still not 100% fit ahead of this weekend’s MotoGP opener in Qatar.
The Mallorcan injured his hand in a training accident in pre-season, forcing him to miss the second test of 2010 in Sepang back in March, and has admitted that his thumb is still not in ideal condition as he looks to begin his title challenge this weekend in the desert.
Lorenzo did take part in the floodlit test in Losail last month but struggled to make any real impression on the time sheets and last year’s championship is playing down his chances ahead of round one.
“I am not perfect yet, I still need more time to recover 100% from my injury, but at least I can ride in Qatar,” he claimed. “I am very happy because we are so close now to the start of the season; it’s been a long winter! Unfortunately, I had some troubles in training and hurt my hand, but these things happen.
“Qatar is a very special track for me; it was the place where I got my first podium in MotoGP in 2008! I know this time it will be more difficult, but I will try to be close to the action. I hope this year it doesn’t rain like last year!”
Lorenzo’s crew chief Wilco Zeelenberg added: “Jorge’s thumb is still not perfect but he was stronger than we expected at the last test and he has had some more time to recover since then so the situation is not too bad.
“It was a great shame for him that this happened and he missed one test but he has had good treatment and he is in the best shape possible, considering the injury. He felt good on the bike at the test and now we will just try to make some more small steps during practice this weekend. It’s a long season and this is just the first race.”
