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MotoGP, Lorenzo: I didn't expect such a big leap forward

"The limit is still a long way off, but I know how to improve". Dovizioso: "with the GP17 I am pretty much able to do what I want"

MotoGP: Lorenzo: I didn't expect such a big leap forward

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At the end of the second day of testing at Sepang, Jorge Lorenzo has given a sigh of relief and got his smile back. This is no small thing, after the incomprehension that yesterday brought. The stopwatch sees him close in 8th place, but his time is in line with that of Dovizioso and his other rivals - with the exception of Iannone - are not far off.

I've taken a very, very big step forward today, the work has paid off - he confirms, satisfied - Rather than the time, I'm pleased with my progress, I haven't just built confidence with the Ducati but I've already realised where I can improve further”.

As anticipated yesterday, the Majorcan worked on two main aspects.

One side, I tried to make the bike better suit my style, on the other hand I tried to adapt - he explains - I'm still a long way from my limit and so I know I can take further steps forward, but I'm satisfied: we've made enormous progress”.

We couldn't have predicted it.

I didn't expect it either - he admits - Yesterday I wasn't worried, because I could see that Stoner, Dovizioso and Bautista were fast and they are riders of my level. So I knew it would just be a question of time. Now it's coming more naturally on the bike and this allows me to be faster, but there's still a long way to go reach the limit.

Lorenzo already has the path mapped out.

Today I tried a time attack and still have to understand how best to exploit the new tyres, I can't be as aggressive as I want - he says - But I've improved in braking and the bike has many strong points from which we can benefit. I liked the new tyres Michelin brought, they have better traction and are more effective on corner entry, as they're softer”.

Andrea DoviziosoDOVIZIOSO: I DON'T NEED IANNONE TO TELL US WHAT THE DUCATI NEEDS - Unlike Lorenzo, Dovizioso didn't need any revolutions, just confirmations and he got those today. He wasn't looking for the time, “I didn't even put new tyres in”, but he continued the details work on the GP17. Work which has brought its results.

Luckily, we had 4 hours in which to work after having lost the whole morning - comments Dovi - We had many things to test and more to test tomorrow, in the end my feelings were quite good. I've collated a lot of data and hope to complete the work programme tomorrow. Leaving Sepang with clear ideas is important.

Dovi also responded at a distance to Iannone who stated that the Suzuki has less limits than the Ducati.

I have no doubts as to what our bike needs and don't need confirmation from Andrea - he fires back - It's no surprise, I think I have enough experience and ability to understand it for myself”.

The Italian had his eyes pealed on track in fact and made some interesting comparisons with Honda and Yamaha.

By chance I came across both Marquez and Vinales on track and it's always interesting to be able to make direct comparisons with your rivals - he comments - What did I see? I have doubts about Marquez, he didn't seem particularly in shape, perhaps he very used tyres. I made a couple of laps with Maverick, a sort of mini-race, and I had fun. I realised that I can do more or less what I want with the GP17, I'm able to exploit its strengths”.

Tomorrow will be the final test before finishing up.

Today I didn't try to set a time, I didn't even put in new tyres - he underlines - I think that tomorrow, if it's sunny, we'll all aim to set a time and those references may be useful in establishing where we're at compared to our rivals”.

Translated by Heather Watson
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