Lorenzo - a former arch-rival of Repsol Honda's
Dani Pedrosa - will make his
MotoGP debut in 2008 although, unlike team-mate
Valentino Rossi, the Spaniard will be using Michelin tyres...
Q:
Jorge, can you tell us about your feelings and emotions the very first time you rode Yamaha’s MotoGP bike?
Jorge Lorenzo:
My very first impression when I rode the M1 for the first time was... pride and honour! I was already proud to be a part of the Yamaha Factory Racing Team at just 20 years old, and then when I eventually rode the bike I told myself: "This is the start. Now it is up to me!" I was quite emotional but curious at the same time to see what it was like to ride such a powerful bike. I think it is the dream for all those who do this job and it made me realise how few people have the possibility to experience such emotions; I felt lucky to be there. A few seconds later however, I also realised that I deserved that bike, that I had earned it through all the great efforts I had made during my career. I would like to take this occasion to thank Yamaha for giving me this possibility and to tell everyone at Yamaha that I will repay them for this opportunity.
Q:
How has the winter testing programme been for you? Have you enjoyed yourself and have you made as much, or more progress than you expected?
Jorge Lorenzo:
The Winter test programme started well and finished better. After the first few days I spent riding the M1 I started to feel more and more comfortable with it, and it started to feel more normal for me. I think I have improved quite a lot since the first test and I am sure that sooner or later we will be able to go very fast. I do not know when, because I am still getting accustomed to the MotoGP bike, but I am sure we will do a great job, in the end.
