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Laura…x.
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DOUBLE world champion Jorge Lorenzo has a special love for Qatar. It was at the Losail International Circuit that he made his MotoGP debut in 2008 when the race was held under lights for the first time. 
After starting from pole position, Lorenzo finished second, behind Australia’s Casey Stoner. The Losail performance was a harbinger of things to come. The same year, the Spaniard won his maiden MotoGP race in Estoril, Portugal, and in ’10, he won his first world title.
After a third place in ’09 and two more second-place finishes, Lorenzo came out of the shackles to finally register his maiden victory in Losail last year and went on to annex his second world title.
In an interview with Doha Stadium Plus, the 25-year-old talks about the season and the retirement of Casey Stoner.
How does it feel to be back in Losail?
I’ve some fond memories about this circuit. After all, this is where it all started. Every year, you feel excited at the start of the season. Honestly speaking, I’m a bit nervous as well as you need to start the season in a good way. But this is perhaps one of the circuits where I’ve always finished on the podium. I like this circuit. It suits my style of riding.
The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) is hosting the MotoGP for the 10th time. Your thoughts on it, and also, take us through the challenge of racing under lights…
Hats off to the QMMF for hosting the MotoGP for the 10th time. This is the only race held under lights and I relish it. For me, it doesn’t make a difference. The lights are as good as it’s in a football field. The temperature is also good in the evening.
How did the pre-season tests go and how confident are you?
We did quite well in all three pre-season tests, in Sepang (Malaysia), Austin (USA) and Jerez (Spain). In Austin, we struggled a bit may be because it’s a new track with long stretches.
Your thoughts on Valentino Rossi’s return to Yamaha?
That’s one of the best things to have happened to him, to me as well as Yamaha Factory Team. He’s one of the all-time greats in racing and his level is so high. His presence will make you push to your limits.
Though there’re no team orders in MotoGP, will you let him pass if he’s in with a chance to win the title?
I would do, I want Yamaha to win the championship at any cost. If I can’t win and then I see his chances of making it, I’ll let him go and see him win the championship rather than say anybody like Dani (Pedrosa) or Marc (Marquez) win it.
So does that mean Pedrosa and Marquez are your main rivals this season?
I think it’s going to be a five-way battle between myself, Rossi, Pedrosa, Marquez and Cal Crutchlow. Pedrosa is very strong now and won many races in the latter part of the ’12 season.
Marquez may be into his first season in MotoGP, but he isn’t a rookie. He’s very talented and has been in the grid for nearly five years. Alvaro Bautista and Stefan Bradl are also fearsome, but I think we’re the five main contenders.
Has Stoner’s retirement left a big void on the grid? Do you think he quit quite early?
Everybody has to stop at some stage or the other. Mick Doohan did it, Kenny Roberts did it and so did Casey (Stoner). One day, Valentino (Rossi) will call it a day and me too.
For me, Stoner was one of the most talented riders on the grid. It’s a bit tiring when you travel relentlessly and if you’ve a young family, life becomes tougher. Maybe, the arrival of the little baby made him feel like spending more time with the family. But personally, I respect Stoner’s decision.
There seems to be too much gap between the top three and the rest of the pack…
Last year, it wasn’t that close. Myself, Stoner and Pedrosa were on a high level and Ducati weren’t competent. But they’ve changed the set-up of the bike this year and they can vie for the title. I feel for Marco Simoncelli (who died in an accident during the ’11 Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang Circuit). He was one of the most promising riders. But fate was cruel to him. Had he been here and with Stoner too competing, we would’ve had a more competitive field. But can’t help it…
Considering that it’s a dangerous sport, are you happy with the safety measures in place?
Every sport has its own intricacies. Just because we’ve had a few fatal accidents, you can’t call the sport risky. Just see the number of players who’ve died on the field in any other sport like say football. What happened in Sepang in ’11 was really unfortunate and I hope it doesn’t happen again.
How different was winning the second title compared to the first?
The first world title is always an emotional one. I cherished it a lot. When you win too many times, you get used to it, But I’ve won only twice. So the second title was equally important. That was the year in which I faced more competition.
How do you handle the pressure of being the defending champion?
I always try not to put myself under pressure. I do a lot of meditation and I’ve my own ways of relaxation to keep the pressure factor away. My aim was to become the MotoGP world champion and I’ve done it twice already. I want to win again. But more than winning, I want to keep improving my riding style all the time.
How does it feel when youngsters see you as a role model?
It feels great really. Thanks to the social networks like Facebook and Twitter, you’ve a lot of people following you closely. It’s important that you keep them happy and set a good standard, not only on the track, but also off it. You’ve to set example in the way you think and act.
What’s so special about Spain that they keep producing good riders?
We’ve been making huge strides not only in motor sports, but also in other arena, in recent years. It wasn’t the case 10 years ago. Now we’ve the best football team in the world, a good Formula One rider and a great tennis player. I think the sports federations are doing a good job of attracting more kids and creating the atmosphere for them to improve.
Former world No.1 tennis player Rafael Nadal is coming back from a long injury lay-off. Do you think he can be the same player he was before?
I know Rafa very well and I’ve interacted with him at times. He has the willpower to fight against the demons. He’s recovered physically well. Mentally also, he’s very strong and he has it in him to reach the top again.
At 25, you’re one of the ‘veterans’ on the grid. How long do you plan to continue?
At least five-six years more! But it depends on a lot of things like your physical condition, motivational level and many such factors. These days, the injuries you’re having are also increasing. So you’ve to keep an eye on that as well. The main thing is your performance shouldn’t come down. I intend to continue as long as my performance keeps improving.
What would you’ve become had you not been a rider?
Well, I don’t know honestly. I can’t think of anything other than riding.wy. I started riding when I was three years old. My father used to work in a workshop. So I used to accompany him to workplace at times and got interested in bikes so early. I still remember the day when I had to sit out of the Friday practice in Jerez when I was about to make my 125cc debut as I was a day shy of my 15th birthday!
What’re your other interests?
I do a little bit of painting. I’ve designed my own cap and just like any other 25-year-olds would do, I do spent a lot of time with my family. I love music, internet and video games.
Have you thought about starting a family?
Of course, I’ve. Starting a family is something which everyone looks forward to in life and I’m no different. It’s important to choose the right woman in your life. I haven’t found a perfect match yet. The moment I get the right woman in my life, I’ll go ahead with it!
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thedarkness88.
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sorry, a question this interwiev is from?? april?? .
Licence to thrill! |
