MotoGP, Lorenzo: "I missed my chance to overtake Rossi"

The Rossi-Lorenzo duo decided to make a stellar contribution to Marc Marquez’s title. With Valentino forced to retire, the only hope of keeping the games open was a response from the Majorcan. Number 99’s crash five laps from the end cleared the way for his compatriot’s fifth World Championship. Jorge is bitterly disappointed. He knows that he missed a great chance, but more than anything, he is pointing the finger at Michelin, because the tyres conditioned his Sunday.

“Luckily I am OK. The crash did not worsen my condition. I am disappointed at not finishing the race, since I was in second place. I think I missed a great opportunity in the battle with Rossi. Unfortunately, choosing the medium tyre for the race proved to be wrong. In fact, I struggled in the braking sections and never had Marc’s pace.”

A Sunday the opposite of Aragón.

“With the soft tyre I would have been able to battle with Marquez, but the choice proved to be exactly the opposite compared with three weeks ago.”

What did not work with the tyre?

“I struggled throughout the race. There were various vibrations, plus I could not brake late, because the tyres struggled to get up to temperature. I could see that Dovizioso was approaching, I opened up the throttle too soon, lost the front end and wound up in the gravel.”

Dovi pointed out the difficulties you had riding.

“I was not riding well because of the front tyre. In acceleration, I was competitive, but in braking I didn’t have confidence. It’s a pity, because we had a great chance to win here. The tyre definitely conditioned us.”  

In Australia, the temperatures will be lower than at Motegi.

“For the Australian round, I don’t know. I think we will be competitive, but much depends on the tyres. We will need to take care, especially on the front, given the low temperatures.”

You highlighted the limits of the tyres.

“I think that Michelin is making great efforts, but it is not enough yet. There are too many crashes and grip problems. I hope there will be a step forward soon.”

In the meantime, Marquez won his fifth title.

“He showed that he was the best, consistent and very fast. I think he deserved the Championship.”