Lorenzo plays down title talk

Eurosport - Sun, 16 Nov 17:49:00 2008

Jorge Lorenzo insists he is under no pressure to win the 2009 MotoGP title despite a stunning maiden season in the top flight that saw him briefly lead the championship.

The Spaniard enjoyed a stellar start to his career in the top flight, finishing on the podium in his first race and winning on only his third outing in Portugal. However, he would go on to be hampered by injuries sustained in a series of accidents over the season.

Nonetheless, Lorenzo was still able to secure fourth position in the standings, ahead of fellow rookie Andrea Dovizioso, the Yamaha rider supplementing his year with further podiums at Le Mans, Misano and the Indianapolis.

Attention now turns to whether Lorenzo can discover the consistency to mount a challenge on the 2009 title, although it isn't an objective he is necessarily chasing.

"There have been no objectives set out, and nobody is demanding that we win the title," the 21-year-old told the official MotoGP website. "I think that if I can improve my results then it will be an extraordinary season."

Lorenzo's first challenge will be to get acquainted with the new Bridgestone control tyre having spent his season adapting to Michelin rubber. With only a few outings coming up in which to settle himself on the new Yamaha M1, Lorenzo is eager to learn quickly.

"I have only had the chance to try the new bike for a day, with the intention of adjusting to the new regulations,´ said the Spaniard of his first run with Bridgestone tyres after a year with Michelin.

"The bike isn't working perfectly, so in Jerez we will be working above all with the chassis, now that we won´t have the engine until Sepang."