After two Grands Prix contested in this 2019 season, it is clear that the start of the adventure of Lorenzo at Honda looks like his debut at Ducati two years earlier put an end to his glorious Yamaha period. It's difficult and far from what was hoped for given the person's track record. But we know from the red motorcycle that with time, things get better. However, Honda may not have as much patience as the Borgo Panigale factory. The first comments fromAlberto Puig show a certain disappointment which is confirmed by his teammate Marc Márquez.
That being said, even if there is nothing to brag about, it is still less worse than the first races with the Desmosedici for Por Fuera. With the RC213V, he still scored points for thirteenth and twelfth place. While convalescing, after a period requiring him to suffer an injury every 40 days. Finally, the race in Argentina was a succession of problems which made his performance at Las Termas a real crossroads.
In Argentina, he proclaimed to anyone who would listen that his main objective was to avoid a fall and an injury. With such a reserve, obviously, the clock is not watched. But at Honda, we don't do social things... Alberto Puig, taking stock of the second meeting on the calendar, clearly identified Lorenzo as the negative point of the stage. A trend that Marc Márquez confirms in an interview done in Brazil, on behalf of the sponsor Estrella Galicia 0,0 in Sao Paulo.
The championship leader and masterful winner in Argentina declared about his teammate: “ I don't know when Lorenzo will be able to play up front. He's a special driver. He is very meticulous. He always goes deep into the details. He likes to have all things in the right place, and when that happens he is very quick ».
« He has already proven that he is fast. But it will be difficult for him to be fast on all circuits and fight for the championship. But I'm sure it will be quick. I think he is now very strong physically. You don't have to be 100% to ride a motorcycle at 100% » specifies the seven-time winner who started 2019 with a shoulder still recovering.
Then he reveals in comments relayed by Motorsport : " but so far his learning process has been harder than Honda expected ". An unpleasant surprise therefore for the HRC. A resignation which already has its limits if we remember the words of the dark one Alberto puig : " in Jorge's case we understand that the first part of the season will not be easy, but we hope; and we expect, once he gets used to this bike, he will fight for first place again ". The countdown begins…
