Jerez MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo makes perfect start on home soil

Jorge Lorenzo’s brilliant early MotoGP form continued today when he topped the timesheets at the end of the first day of free practice for his home race in Jerez.

The Fiat Yamaha rider, who claimed a stunning debut second place in Qatar earlier this month, clocked a best time of 1:40.321 to edge out factory YZR-M1 team-mate Valentino Rossi.

The double world 250 champion said: “The first day has gone very well and I’m really happy to have a day like this at Jerez.

“My bike feels great and it’s a huge emotion for me to be riding at home in front of all the Spanish fans.

“I feel like all of Spain is watching this weekend and I hope to give them a great show.

“We have a good base setting from the test here and after the first race and I think we are in great shape for the weekend. My hope is to be able to fight at the front.”

His team manager Daniele Romagnoli said: “It’s been a perfect first day for us in Spain.

“Jorge has done many laps at a very good pace throughout and we’re very happy with our performance on the first day.

“We are still not at our full potential but we’ve got a good base setting from the test.”