The day after the French Grand Prix, history seems to repeat itself for a Jorge Lorenzo in need of performance on the handlebars of a new motorcycle very different from his previous one. A year ago, this lack of results earned him the disappointment of the Ducati boss who signaled the end of the game at the end of the season. A trigger for the Majorcan who immediately won the following Italian Grand Prix. In 2019, here we are at the same point with a Honda. But Alberto puig is more cautious towards his pilot. The lesson of snub has been learned…
A complicated adaptation, mechanical breakdowns, injuries that did not allow him to concentrate all his potential on the hard learning of a Honda are all elements which explain the disappointment Lorenzo at HRC after five contested races. Not a single top 10, humiliation in Spain by being dominated by the guest test driver Stefan bradl who has commented a lot on its modest velocity, it is indeed difficult to find satisfaction in equipping it with a Marc Márquez otherwise dominant.
The fiery team manager Alberto puig grumbled at one point, encouraging the rumor that Por Fuera would be under pressure at Honda. A situation vigorously denied in France. While the Italian Grand Prix will take place next weekend, we erase any idea of distrust towards the Majorcan: “ we're not at the expected level, but that's something he and we both know " told Alberto puig at motogp.com. The latter is also aware that the Honda is “ very different from any other motorcycle he has ridden ».
Otherwise, Jorge Lorenzo is a particular pilot for whom essential confidence is acquired through a particular working method. He methodically focuses on every detail, and a subject that is not too important to other drivers, like ergonomics, is fundamental to him. He showed it last year at Ducati: When the parts he ordered arrived, he started winning races. During the last French Grand Prix, with the latest innovations, he was much closer to those who preceded him until then, and knowing how Jorge works, in each race, he will be improving.
This is also what believes Puig, who states that “ the results aren't there, but that doesn't mean they won't happen ", knowing that Lorenzo is a five-time world champion, which is never a coincidence. “ We believe in his potential, in his driving history and in his five titles. We will help him reach his maximum level. We hope he has the courage to fight and be one of the best drivers we think he is ».
Alberto puig also does not want to make the same mistake as Claudio Domenicali, who, two Grands Prix before the limit of a decision on the future which had to be taken, announced that the Spaniard would not continue in 2019… Just before Lorenzo doesn't start to win.
