Jorge Lorenzo gave a little analysis of the season before the Austrian Grand Prix, giving some well-felt considerations. Not only on Fabio Quartararo and Pecco Bagnaia, two drivers in the running for the world title with an Aleix Espargaró who we would be wrong to forget. But also on a theme which regularly appeals to veterans and which is this cozy atmosphere in the paddock humming in front of the appearance of a frank camaraderie between comrades in arms. A hypocrisy according to Andrea Dovizioso who will retire from Misano. Jorge Lorenzo talks about the influence of social networks…
Jorge Lorenzo opened up to the media cycle world on the current championship, the course of which already reveals an unexpected scenario with the revelation ofAleix Espargaró : " the real surprise is Aleix Espargaró with Aprilia » says the retired five-time World Champion. “ No one expected him to be able to win a few races, and now he's solid in second place. At 33, he is a real revelation ". On Pecco Bagnaia, he maintains a certain reserve… “ He is fast, as evidenced by the number of pole positions he has achieved. But he made a lot of mistakes, there is still a big gap, but the championship is still open ».
As for the third thief, who is none other than the reigning World Champion who wants to keep his crown fabio quartararo, we feel that Lorenzo puts him above the rest: “ he is the strongest rider right now in terms of speed and mental strength although the Yamaha is not the best bike on the grid. It would be unbeatable on a Ducati. He's a complete driver and I see his hands very close to the crown ».
Jorge Lorenzo: “ there is now Instagram and the hunt for likess”
That being said, after assessing the forces involved, Jorge Lorenzo is surprised, like those of his generation and other from the time even before, of these smiles, hugs and other signs of sympathy constantly displayed in the parc ferme. Is all this sincere? He answers : " Nowadays, all pilots seem to be friends. Quartararo does not speak with Bagnaia as I spoke with Rossi. Pecco does not speak with Jorge Martín like Rossi spoke with Stoner. Nowadays they all have good relationships ».
« I think today there is Instagram and the hunt for likes » analyzes Por Fuera. “ In a way, it's good for the sport. I have great respect for every driver, but the ruthless battles have always inflamed the fans. I think of the fierce look Gibernau gave Valentino at Jerez, of the fights between Rossi and Stoner or Rossi and Biaggi. This rivalry was in the air ».
A rivalry that makes life difficult, but also strengthens character, and he was in good school with a Valentino Rossi still at the top of his art when he arrived at Yamaha : " it was hard. Without my strong personality, I probably would have been psychologically beaten because Valentino had all the attention. Everyone loved him, and it made you feel small. But I was determined, and as soon as I lowered the visor, my only goal was to open the throttle and win. Beating Rossi with the same bike gave me a lot of satisfaction and popularity ».
