British MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo brimming with confidence

Jorge Lorenzo believes a third victory on 2010 is within his grasp after he secured his first pole position of the campaign at Silverstone today.

The Fiat Yamaha rider clocked a best time of 2.03.308 at the technical 3.667-miles Silverstone track to deny Randy de Puniet a shock career first MotoGP pole position.

Lorenzo secured pole by just 0.126s and he said he was confident that he can add to his wins in Jerez and Le Mans that have left him holding a comfortable 25-point advantage over Spanish rival Dani Pedrosa. 

Lorenzo said: “I tried to be fast from the start and I felt so great on the bike, almost more than ever, so I think I’m in good shape and it should be possible to finish on the podium. Today I started to understand the track quite a lot and it is quite different from the others with the tarmac being so cold and we use the soft tyre for a long time.

“We made one run with the soft tyre at the end and with this tyre we could make the pole position. I’m more happy with the feeling on the bike that getting the pole position. It is really important to be on the front row for tomorrow because this gives us the best chance of another podium.

“Today we did 18 consecutive laps with the hard tyre and then another eight with the soft, which is a good sign, but the track was quite cold today and it took time for the tyres to reach the right temperature, so we have to wait and see how the weather is for our final choice.”

Lorenzo was also impressed with French rider de Puniet, who is currently the leading non-factory rider in the MotoGP world championship.

He’s twice finished in the top six this season and Lorenzo paid tribute to the LCR Honda rider’s improved pace.

The double world 250GP champion added: “Randy is getting very fast and this year he is much faster than before. It is good for him and I enjoy that he is coming with us.”