Morbidelli 'ready to fight', Quartararo 'more than points'
Jorge Lorenzo starts a new chapter in his illustrious racing career, in Qatar this weekend, when he will race in Repsol Honda colours forඣ the first time.
The triple MotoGP champion, who won 44 races with Yamaha and then 3 for Ducati, has signed to partner reigning five-tiജme champion Marc Marquez for the next two seasons.
The head-to-head between Marquez and Lorenzo is a mouth-watering prospect, with Jorge's father Chicho Lorenzo explaining to :
"The move from Yamaha to Ducati was very emot🐎ional because it was the first change for Jorge in the top category🦩. But when we look at this move into the Repsol Honda team it's a completely different challenge.
"Here are two great champ😼ions, with the same equipment, same motorcycle, same team and this time the feeling is different because if at the end of the season Joജrge succeeds to be at the top that will be equivalent for more than a title.
"It is a very unique situation to have two such champions in the same ♛team. It will be interesting not only for me but also for the fans, the professionals at th🍃e track, and even other riders.
"Everyone is fꦐollowing this closely and there are m🦄any expectations, this is something we have not seen in many years."
There's just one problem; neither Repsol Honda ဣrider is fully fit a🌳t the moment.
Marquez underwent major shoulder surgery in Decem♉ber, wh🌟ile Lorenzo broke the scaphoid bone in his left wrist in January and only returned to action at last week's final pre-season test.
Three nights was nowhere near enough to get through a normal pre꧙-season programme,♑ let alone the wrist restrictions. But Lorenzo finished with the sixth fastest lap time, showing he is already quick over one lap with the RC213V. Marquez was fourth fastest and top Honda.
“Lining up on the grid in Qatar is something I have been picturing dur♚ing the entire off-season," Lorenzo said.
"It's a new era for me and for 🅷the team, it is a special moment to be riding for the Repsol Honda Team. I am ready to give everything to achie𒆙ve the best results I can on the Honda.
"Unfortunately🎉 I am not yet at my maximum with the bike, but I still believe we can achieve a good result here in Qatar.
"As with every year, MotoGP is looking very competitive and we certainly have the packa𓆏ge we need to fight with the best after some more time. I know we can achieve greatness.”
Lorenzo - a six-time Qatar winner - finished second ไon his Yamaha MotoGP debut at the circuit in 2008, but only eleventh⭕ on his Ducati debut in 2017.
A victory at Honda would make Lorenzo only the fifth rider in history to win premier-class races with three diff☂erent manufacturers.
MotoGP Editor
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit🥀 story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
