For the past few weeks, Jorge Lorenzo has become a special coach for Maverick Viñales. This is an unprecedented and decidedly more complete role than that of the legitimized coach who follows the rider during race weekends, providing him with technical advice and advice on how to approach the track. The rider from Majorca is practically the shadow of the KTM Tech3 rdier, between workouts in the gym, riding on the circuit and dirt tracks, and even in meditation sessions.
This is a meticulous job that aims at turning the former Aprilia into a victory machine, projected to dethrone Marc Marquez and the currently unbeatable Ducati. An Lorenzo Senior is also proving to be an equally constant presence. Tapping into his coaching vocation, the former rider's father is lending a relevant hand to the project.
"I started with this role when my son was two years old, and we played in racing with motorcycles. I'm a big fan of the sport, and I'm always looking for excellence in the manner of riding," he explained to the mundodeportivo website.
For Chico, creating his own methodology was curcial. "I always tried to distance myself from standard methods by creating my own, based on what I saw in other sports and in martial arts. This includes about twenty exercises that allow the rider to develop useful skills towards performing all the maneuvers needed when he's on the track," he revealed.
Recently, his son Jorge stated that he wished he had a Mick Doohan or Max Biaggi in tow. This statement didn't surprise Lorenzo Senior. "I never understood how, in an elite sport like this, where so much money moves around, the figure of a technical coach didn't exist. So, I set out to work in this direction, not to be the first, but to help my son be a great rider. I'm still proud to have been the first," he asserted, emphasizing the importance of burning bridges.
In order to become a big name, Chico believes that starting early is essential. "Spanish riders who have become world champions took their first steps in motorcycles at two, three, four years of age. If you start late, you can reach the goal, but you have to be smart and work hard."
And, on the subject of what Jorge is doing now with Maverick, Lorenzo Senior said, "There's a high risk that they won't succeed but, if they do succeed, there's going to be a before and after. This union could revolutionize motorcycling and many could adopt the method to improve performance. Should my son succeed in passing on to him the importance of nonconformity, the cult of detail and never giving up, it'll be impossible for Viñales not to progress. Personally, I can only give riding tips. At a mental level, you need to have the experience," he argued, convincingly.
Making a comparison between the two riders, he explained, "Precision and elegance in riding are two points in common but, when it comes to character, they're different. Jorge succeeded because of his stubbornness, while Maverick because of pure talent."