After spending many years of his life on a motorcycle, Jorge Lorenzo has become one of the most charismatic personalities in the MotoGP paddock, and despite having put an end to his career as an active rider, the #99 follows closely the latest championship news.
In an interview with Motorsport.com, Jorge Lorenzo took a position on some of the recurring themes in the world championship. The Majorcan pilot stopped mainly in the development of the M1, a prototype that is currently subject to criticism, especially by its regular pilot, Fabio Quartararo.
“In my opinion, Yamaha has made less progress than other [manufacturers],” Jorge introduced. “Even if Fabio [Quartararo] is riding amazingly and making the most of the bike, it’s not enough for him to get on the podium. It’s psychologically tough, but I don’t see any better options for him.”
“The Honda is a very difficult bike and there is no room for Ducati,” said the Spaniard.
Jorge Lorenzo also spoke about Ducati, the brand with supremacy on the grid and one of the manufacturers that had arrived in Qatar with force. However, the official team did not have everything on its side during the beginning of the course.
“Pecco [Bagnaia]’s problem is the bike,” Lorenzo said. “For some reason, GP22 is not that simple. It’s hard to gain confidence with the front end. Everyone is suffering, while [Enea] Bastianini won two races with the 2021.
This situation suggests many doubts about the future of the official team, especially in a year in which more than 70% of the contracts on the grid expire at the end of the course.
“It’s hard to choose. I think [Jorge] Martín has already signed. If not, I think it’s going to be difficult, because Bastianini is doing well. I hope Martín signs,” he added.
However, for Jorge Lorenzo, Marc Márquez remains one of the biggest protagonists in 2022.
“We all know Marc [Márquez]. He has an impressive mentality. Although he has fallen a thousand times, he continues to take risks and seek the limit,” he explained.
“He is a special, unique rider. But time is not good for the body or the mind, and not even age helps. Falling at twenty is not the same as falling at thirty. Márquez is technically a phenomenon. He has great ambition, but time is running out for everyone. Having said that, I think he has five more years left in his career.”
The Mallorcan driver made his debut as a commentator on DAZN and recently announced his jump to four wheels in the Porsche Carrera Cup.
“The main thing is to have fun. I only do it for pleasure and I still experience the adrenaline of racing. The risk is there, but it is much less than on the bikes. In a car, you are much more protected and even the pressure is different, compared to despite being a professional environment,” he concluded.
