Jorge Lorenzo - Photo Credit: MotoGP.com
Jorge Lorenzo admits he faces a tough task to keep the title race alive in this Sunday's Australian Grand Prix. Casey Stoner can mathematically clinch the title if he outscores Lorenzo by 10 points and after winning the last four races at Phillip Island, Lorenzo knows he will be very difficult to beat.
“I am now heading to Australia after a few days of training in Indonesia. I'm looking forward to riding at the Phillip Island circuit, one of my favourite and probably the most beautiful track we race on. After the race in Japan, where we had a positive result, we are really determined to be on the podium again. We know it’s not going to be easy because Casey is usually invincible on his home track, but I will try my best and won't give up!”
Teammate Ben Spies also holds an impressive record in Melbourne having won here on his World Superbike debut two years ago. The American didn't enjoy this year's Japanese GP quite as much though as he suffered with food poisoning throughout the weekend.
But Spies feels back to full fitness this weekend and can't wait to get started on a circuit he's particularly fond of.
“Phillip Island is such a great circuit to ride; I've got great memories there from Superbike and also last year where we had a really good race. We had yet another unlucky break in Japan but still managed to deliver a good ride so we'll take the positive from that and give it 100% this weekend and see what we can do. I've been relaxing here in Australia for a few days so I'm fully fit and refreshed and ready for it!”
Team Director Massimo Meregalli believes the YZR-M1 will be suited to Phillip Island but is mindful that the typically unsettled Melbourne weather could play a key role.
“Phillip Island is a very special circuit, I think it could be a good one for us knowing our bike. I know that both riders really like riding there which is positive. In Japan we had good results in a difficult race despite all the problems Ben had during the weekend, this makes me confident for this race. Usually the Phillip Island race is characterised by unpredictable weather, it will be quite cold but hopefully dry otherwise it's going to be a difficult weekend.”
