Finding speed key for Lorenzo

After finishing fifth in the opening three races of the season Jorge Lorenzo heads to his home Grand Prix in Jerez knowing that it is crucial for him to get back on the podium at the very least.

In Argentina the double MotoGP world champion struggled for pace throughout the weekend and on raceday never looked to have the speed of his teammate, and race winner, Valentino Rossi. After the 25 lap race Lorenzo admitted that “It was difficult to understand” how Rossi was so fast in South America.

“He drove very well,” admitted Lorenzo. “It is difficult to understand. It really was a tremendous achievement to to set 1m39’s with that extra hard tire, I do not understand how he achieved it, but sometimes in racing you find those things you do not understand. We chose a tire, Valentino has only managed to go fast. Neither Smith nor Pol, nobody has managed to be constant. Crutchlow made with the environment in the last lap his fastest lap, and now I do not know when I have to drive spinning, I know not ride like Valentino, who has done an incredible career. The victory was fully deserved and it is impressive how drove with that tire.”

Trying to understand how to improve his fortunes will be key for Lorenzo and his crew. In Qatar he had the pace to win the race before a helmet lining problem blocked his vision. In COTA illness robbed him of his endurance and sapped his confidence. Argentina was the first time that he was legitimately off the pace but it’s vital that he stops the rot and beats Rossi for the first time this season at his home race next weekend.

“We must find our speed, if we are not fast we will not be on the podium. If we get faster and can get consistent podiums then you can think about winning races.”