Qatar test: Jorge Lorenzo struggling with Bridgestone switch

Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo has conceded he is struggling to adapt to Bridgestone tyres after a disappointing second night of testing at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar. 

The Fiat Yamaha rider could only finish seventh quickest on a night where a strong gusting wind made conditions difficult for the second night running.

After a quick but heavy rain shower severely disrupted the opening night of testing in the Middle East last night, the floodlit circuit was buffeted by strong winds today.

The gusts blew sand and dust onto the track, but Lorenzo’s problems are more severe than just the condition of the track.

The double world 250 champion clocked a best time of 1.58.400 on his 63rd and final lap. That was still 1.261s slower than Casey Stoner.

Lorenzo told MCN: “I’m am struggling a lot with the Bridgestone tyres and I must admit this is a big surprise for me. I thought it was going to be easier and it is a lot more difficult than I expected. I don’t have enough confidence with the front or the rear at the moment. There is not so much time left before the first race, so I have to adapt quickly.”

Lorenzo was also testing new anti-wheelie settings in his Yamaha YZR-M1s electronics package. Yamaha has shortened the wheelbase of its 2009 factory bike to help maximise the performance from Bridgestone. The shorter wheelbase though has created a wheelie problem under hard acceleration.