It was during a very emotional press conference that the five-time World Champion announced on the eve of the Valencia Grand Prix that he was going to end his career following this race.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, the boss of Dorna (organizing company of the MotoGP World Championship) was present to underline the importance of the event. This was also the case for all the journalists, but also for many representatives of the manufacturers and teams for whom the Mallorcan had raced during his career, such as Yamaha and Ducati. Most of the drivers were there too, including Marc and Álex Márquez, Johann Zarco, Álex Rins, Tito Rabat, Maverick Viñales, Pol and Aleix Espargaró, Andrea Iannone, Danilo Petrucci, Andrea Dovizioso, Cal Crutchlow and many others
“There are four great days in a pilot's professional career » explained Lorenzo. “When you make your debut, when you win your first race, when you win your first title and when you announce your retirement – well that day has come for me. »
“Everyone knows what a perfectionist I am. It takes a lot of motivation. This is why after 9 years at Yamaha, I felt the need for a change. Ducati gave me a big boost. I took the opportunity not to give up and achieve this great victory at Mugello. »
“Unfortunately (then at Honda) the injuries came and played a role in my results. I was not in normal physical condition. This plus a motorcycle that I never felt naturally created problems. »
“When I started to see the light, the terrible Montmeló crash happened. When I was riding the gravel in Assen, I wondered if it was really worth it. I'm done with it, I don't want to run anymore. »
“Afterwards I was not able to find the motivation, the patience to climb this mountain. I love winning and at some point I realized that it wasn't possible in such a short time with Honda. My goal that I had at the start of the season was not realistic. »
“It’s the best decision for me and the team. Jorge Lorenzo and Honda can't just fight to score points. We are both winners who must fight to win. »
Carmelo Ezpeleta has announced that Jorge Lorenzo will be elevated to the rank of “MotoGP Legend” at the next Spanish GP in Jerez.
Possible successors to Jorge Lorenzo could be Johann Zarco or Álex Márquez, whose contract with Marc VDS includes a release clause if he has an offer in MotoGP. Johann Zarco on 2020: " I do not know yet. But the withdrawal of Jorge Lorenzo is positive for me. There's room for 2020, where, I don't know, but I have a chance to go somewhere. Repsol would be like a dream come true, but Cal (Crutchlow) deserves it more than me. LCR would also be a good option. »
Jorge Lorenzo's career:
It started in 2002 with the 125 cm3 category. The Spaniard won four victories there, before making his move to 250cc at the start of 2005. After a first season with six podiums, the Mallorcan took the title in this category, which he managed to keep for one more year. Spotted by Yamaha, Jorge Lorenzo finally arrived in the ranks of MotoGP in 2008 and he immediately caused a sensation, winning pole position and the lap record at Losail. His first victory came two races later at Estoril. Fourth overall, the Iberian driver then moved closer to his teammate Valentino Rossi, whom he ended up dislodging during the 2010 campaign. Runner-up to Casey Stoner in 2011, Jorge Lorenzo nevertheless managed to recover his crown the following season. 2013 marks the arrival of a new phenomenon: Marc Márquez, against whom he will fight until Valencia, despite having missed an event due to injury. And the Yamaha representative will be forced to lose a second time in 2014. But a year later, Jorge Lorenzo returns to the title after a very tense final against Valentino Rossi. Third overall in 2016, the Mallorcan finally left for Ducati. The adaptation will take some time, he will only finish seventh overall. But the Iberian rider ended up triumphing three times in 2018, just after he announced his transfer to Repsol Honda. His season ended with an injury to his left wrist, which caused him to miss four events. This 2019 season is unfortunately marked by a double fracture of the vertebrae, with the consequences that we now know.
Photos © Repsol Media, motogp.com / Dorna, Ducati
