Seeing Lorenzo in 16th place, you might expect him to be angry. But this couldn't be further from the truth, Jorge is more on the ironic side, joking but, above all, hoping. Because despite the disastrous qualifying - as bad as the practice sessions - the Majorcan thinks he's found the solution to many of his problems.
“I think it's been a positive day despite the result because we've understood the origin of many of my problems. Unfortunately I did have enough time to test a modification to the ergonomics that I think would have allowed me to improve a lot.
Lorenzo and his men realise they took a wrong turn months ago.
“The first time I tested the Ducati I had a very high seat compared to what I was used to and I asked for it to be lowered, but now I think that was a mistake -he admits - As a result, I've wasted months looking for load at the front and I think a high seat is better, we'll try it tomorrow in the race. We're talking about a few centimetres, and also a change in its shape”.
This new riding position should help him gain confidence.
“The rear section has a different shape which prevents me from standing, because when I do the front unloads and the bike doesn't behave - he continues - With this bike I've understood that I need to ride in the opposite way to what I was used to and I'm slowly understanding what''s better and what's worse”.
It's strange to see the satellite Ducatis further ahead though, while the factory bikes are so far behind.
“This comes down to various circumstances - he analyses - Yesterday Abraham made a good lap but then his times went up by a second, he made the most of the tyre but doesn't have race pace. Dovi is suffering here for some reason, last year he fought for the podium while now he's struggling with set-up or electronics. Bautista is strong and has good pace, I'm still trying to adapt”.
What do you expect for the race?
“If I can make a good start I can move up a row. I think I have constant pace and if I can adapt to the new riding position, I think I can be in the top 10 or 8, that would be a good result”.
He jokes about the point of the track where he's doing best.
“On the straight, because you can relax - he laughs - Joking aside, I'm better through the fast turns but we've improving through the slow ones too. At this track there are no corners that 'come back' so the Ducati can do well, as Abraham and Bautista have proved, I just need to cover more miles and take the right path”.
His morale remains high, despite it all.
“Yesterday I wasn't happy or relaxed, but you have to analyse things, turn the page and be positive. We've only completed one race, tomorrow makes two and there are many months of my contract with Ducati still to run. We hope to improve”.