China MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo confident after arm operation

Rookie sensation Jorge Lorenzo has admitted he is confident he will pose a serious threat in this weekend’s China MotoGP clash having recovered from recent arm surgery.

The 20-year-old Spaniard had a successful operation after his maiden MotoGP victory in Estoril last month to cure a persistent and painful arm pump problem on his right arm.

Lorenzo has arrived in the Far East with his right arm still in a light support, but he said he should be close to 100 per cent fitness for Sunday’s race.

The Fiat Yamaha rider will start the 22-lap race sharing the series lead with fellow Spaniard Dani Pedrosa and he said: “The arm is going well, better than we expected, because the doctor had told me that my arm was worse than he thought. 

“When he opened my arm, he saw that the muscle was open very much and this for sure will help me to ride more comfortable. I don’t know if I can be faster, but more comfortable for sure.”

Lorenzo said he was hopeful of maintaining his 100 per cent podium record in MotoGP this Sunday following his stunning success in last year’s 250GP in Shanghai.

He claimed the pole position, race victory and fastest lap clean sweep a year ago and said: “It is a really fast circuit with the longest straight in the world and also after this the slowest corner in the world.

“It is a strange circuit, but anyway I like it because it’s very wide and to overtake other riders is perfect.”

With six races now in eight weeks, Lorenzo also laughed off suggestions that the season begins in earnest now.

He added: “The season started in Qatar and we have already fought for 75-points. The riders that have not good results they say it starts now. But the riders that started good say what I am saying.”