20-year-old
MotoGP rookie
Jorge Lorenzo heads to Shanghai in joint lead of the 2008 world championship, after his debut victory last time out in Estoril, and expects to be in 'perfect shape' to defend his perfect pole and podium record at round four after recent arm surgery.
"Each day I am feeling better after my operation; I feel great and I think the recovery is going very well, without problems. I am going to China in perfect shape," he declared.
"The victory in Portugal was like a big present that I had never expected, but in a way it wasn't a perfect victory because I couldn't enjoy it so much! The pain in my arms changed the celebration but I believe the most important thing is to make sure I am fit for the future.
"I am calm because I am realising a dream and for me the target for the season has already been reached," revealed the young Spaniard, equal on points with arch-rival
Dani Pedrosa. "Now we must continue to work like this and I have to concentrate on the next race."
Having conquered Estoril on his first visit with the Michelin-shod YZR-M1, a circuit at which he had never previously won at in any class, Lorenzo can expect to be competitive at Shanghai - where he dominated with pole position, victory and a new lap record in the 250cc class last year.
"I have had mixed fortunes in China - I had many problems in 2006 and I couldn't finish but last year I won and it made the championship easier because it took me to 95 points after only four races," recalled Jorge. "Shanghai is a modern track with a long straight, fast corners and big braking areas. It is the second circuit where I've never ridden in MotoGP so I don't know what my performance will be like here but I was very comfortable at this track in 250cc, so I hope it will be the same on May 4th."
"Of course we are all surprised by Jorge's results so far - I don't think anybody expected him to win so early in the season or to start from pole in each of the first three races!" admitted team manager Daniele Romagnoli.
