Jorge Lorenzo targeting podium return

Injury-hit Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo is targeting a return to the podium in this weekend’s German GP as he gets closer to 100 per cent fitness.

The Fiat Yamaha rider has not claimed a top three finish since the French GP in Le Mans, but edging closer to full fitness after a nightmare run with injuries, he believes he can mount a rostrum threat again at the Sachsenring.

“Our target, as always, going into the weekend is the podium but we will work our hardest during practice to try and achieve the maximum on Sunday. I think when our package is at the same level as the others it is difficult to beat Valentino but currently in MotoGP everything has to be perfect.

“The rider who achieves this is normally able to dominate so we have to do our job in practice. It doesn’t mean any more pressure than normal because we always strive for perfection and when you fight for championships this is what you get used to.

“Basically we will try not to make any mistakes and hope everything is in place for Valentino to fight for victory, as he did a couple of races ago,“ said the 21-year-old, who has also praised the form of reigning world champion Casey Stoner and series leader Dani Pedrosa.

Stoner has surged back to form with successive victories in Donington and Assen, while Pedrosa leads the world championship by four points.

Lorenzo added: “We are coming into the second half of the season and it seems the competition is getting harder and harder. Of course, Casey Stoner is in great shape – he has won two consecutive races – and Dani Pedrosa is also very consistent so we have to try to respond.