Lorenzo starts British GP with fastest laptime

Grand Prix motorcycles returned to Silverstone for the first time in over two decades today as MotoGP landed at the iconic British track. Jorge Lorenzo, the sole representative of the Fiat Yamaha Team whilst Valentino Rossi is recovering from injury at home, took to the new track with aplomb, finishing the day at the top of the standings in a session cut slightly short by rain. After sunshine had greeted the paddock yesterday, today was much cooler and the track temperature did not climb much above 20 degrees throughout the session. Lorenzo was nonetheless determined to get to grips with the new circuit and completed 23 laps, more than any other rider this afternoon. With just under ten minutes to go he put in his best time of the day and moved into first place, remaining the only rider to dip under the 2’06 mark. Casey Stoner was second and Andrea Dovizioso third.

Jorge Lorenzo – 1st, Time 2.05.991, Laps: 23
“I’m happy with our first day’s work here at Silverstone and I’ve really enjoyed the new circuit; it’s fast and fun to ride. We’ve worked really hard and I’ve ridden a lot of laps in order to begin to understand every corner and every straight. Unfortunately it was cold today and the asphalt was cold too, which meant that without any reference points in the beginning it was quite difficult, but hopefully tomorrow and Sunday will be better. Then in the last three minutes it started to rain so we decided to stop. We made a good start and then step-by-step I improved, so I think we are in good shape for a good race weekend. We will continue in the same way tomorrow and aim for the front row.”

Wilco Zeelenberg – Team manager Jorge Lorenzo
“The target was to learn the track in a safe way and Jorge did well in this task, starting gently and learning step-by-step, without forcing himself into mistakes. The bike feels great with some really good points and some that could be a bit better – for example in the exit of the corners – but we are in good shape. We think we can improve more but we’re already feeling strong. Tomorrow everyone will know the track better and therefore be faster but hopefully we will be too!”

Source: Yamaha Racing