Yamaha prepare Jorge Lorenzo for spotlight

Yamaha is confident Jorge Lorenzo will be able cope with the pressure now that the spotlight is fixed firmly on the Spaniard in MotoGP.

The absence of Fiat Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi with the broken leg he suffered in Mugello earlier this month will inevitably focus more attention on 23-year-old Lorenzo.

He’s already a hot favourite to claim the 2010 title having opened up a healthy 25-point lead over compatriot Dani Pedrosa after four races. 

And without Rossi he now has the added pressure of being Yamaha’s only hope for title glory. 

Lorenzo’s factory Yamaha team boss Wilco Zeelenberg said he has already spoken to the double world 250GP champion about the future with more fans and media attention on Lorenzo.

The Dutchman told MCN: “We’ve talked about that and of course now a lot of attention will be placed on Jorge. Valentino has a lot of attention and he is the legend. Jorge has said that too because Valentino has so many fans and all the press with him. When he’s not there then Jorge is the next guy. I warned him about that but he understands.”

Yamaha have also warned against complacency now that Lorenzo has been installed as an overwhelming favourite to claim his first premier class title.

Zeelenberg added: “He can’t do stupid things because Pedrosa and (Casey) Stoner will still be there. If Jorge can’t win then he must try and be second.”

And Zeelenberg said the championship would not be the same without talisman Rossi racing for at least the next five races.

The 31-year-old is recovering from the broken shinbone suffered on home soil and Zeelenberg said: “The will from those young guys is to beat Valentino Rossi and if he is not there it is a big difference.”