New Ducati Era – After 43 victories, 105 podiums and three titles in the MotoGP class, Jorge Lorenzo will leave Yamaha Team next season. After Valencia GP, the Spanish rider could ride the Ducati Desmosedici for the first time. The Majorcan rides only for one brand The Yamaha. Now, after nine years, he meets challenges and changes brand.
“What will you miss?” asks Speedweek to Yamaha rider before the beginning of the New Ducati Era. “What I miss the most? I’ll miss everything. The bike. A great bike.” said Lorenzo. “However, the Yamaha team is a great team. Very professional with a good atmosphere. There has never been a problem. They have always treated me very well. I had exactly the same bike of my teammate. This was very important. Also, I’ve always been competitive. In most years I was first or second. This means that I have always fought to win.”
“Ducati is a big challenge. A challenge that I wanted to try. Since I drive from the beginning of my career in MotoGP for the Yamaha, I might need this great challenge and something new. In my opinion, it’s the best time. Because the Ducati has greatly improved. Then, with Dall’Igna I have worked with in the past.” added Lorenzo.
New Ducati Era – Yes
1. Lorenzo does not bring any staff member of the Yamaha. Facing the most difficult experience of his career may not have the help of “his” team.
2. The Spaniard is a very good one when everything works fine, delicate in dealing with the unexpected. This season, rain aside, has struggled with the Michelin tyres showing an inability to adapt.
3. Ducati continues to show problems with Michelin tires. In 2017, there will be a natural adjustment, but there will still be unexpected and as seen above, it will not be easy for Lorenzo.
New Ducati Era – No
1. Lorenzo is a top rider. He won 5 titles of which 3 in MotoGP. The Spaniard was the only choice. Ducati wanted to make a great driver.
2. Lorenzo change teams after 9 years. Comes with maturity and with a great motivation knowing then that coexistence in box Yamaha was no longer tolerable.
3. Andrea Iannone’s riding style is very similar to Lorenzo and that’s a good starting point.
