Five-time World Champion, Jorge Lorenzo was hired by Ducati to win a new world crown. An ambition which seemed realistic from the first tests in Valencia, then which was troubled during the tests at Sepang before blurring again a little after three days spent on the selective track of Phillip Island. On the Australian record, an eighth position, eight tenths behind leader Viñales on his old Yamaha. But a tenth behind teammate Dovizioso, seasoned at Desmosedici. Which makes Por Fuera say that he has accomplished his objectives.
The mission was to progress in knowledge of the Ducati and in the hierarchy at the same time. Two objectives finally achieved, even if it is painful and we remain far from the goal: “ we still have a lot of work to do to have a competitive bike in all situations and on all tracks, but we know where we need to work to get there » asserts a Lorenzo who swears he has no regrets about his decision to bet on Ducati rather than continuing with Yamaha.
« I have progressed. In Sepang, it was easier. At Phillip Island, it was much more complicated for all the Ducatis because of the wind and the characteristics of the corners. But in the end, we managed all that and I would like to point out that I did not run with new tires which would have saved me three tenths. But that would have added nothing to my feelings on the bike. That was precisely my goal. I wanted to get close to the limits of the bike to feel them and I managed to do it. So it was good tests, even if the road is still long ».
He specifies on speedweek : " I wanted to stay in the 1'29 range as much as possible and I succeeded. Many other drivers were satisfied with a small 1'30. Do we know where we are and what needs to be done? On another circuit with better grip we could do better ". Like Qatar? “ I don't know if we can play for victory at Losail. But we will be better. Here, the absence of the fins was really felt. We work to compensate. To find the Hondas and the Yamahas, we will have to take a leap forward ».
« It's not just a motorcycle question » recognizes the Majorcan. “ The Ducati is simply another motorcycle. What you have to do to ride it well is the opposite of what a Yamaha or Honda requires. You have to be very aggressive. I can't be like that naturally. I need time. We also need to develop the bike to make it better. I'm happy with Ducati. I am treated well and everyone is very professionalel ».
