Lorenzo keeps championship alive with perfect podium

Reigning World Champion Jorge Lorenzo delivered yet another flawless performance of perfect riding to take second on the podium today for the Grand Prix of Japan. The race itself proved to be an action packed affair with many dramas, several riders receiving ride through penalties and Championship leader Casey Stoner riding off the track, resulting in the loss of several places. After the incident, Lorenzo tucked in to follow promoted race leader Dani Pedrosa, maintaining second to the flag with lap after lap of inch perfect lines. The result reduces his gap to Stoner to 40 points with three races remaining of the season.

Jorge Lorenzo Position : 2nd Time: +7.299
“I didn’t expect such a strange race, Casey going wide and Dovi having a ride through. I thought it was possible to fight with Dani but he came better and better, I think he was inspired today and at a very high level of riding. He decided the victory and I couldn’t follow him. To win now is almost impossible, just maybe some small possibilities! A big thank you to my team who worked so hard this weekend to make a very competitive bike and thank you to all the Japanese fans who came out to support us.”

Wilco Zeelenberg, Team Manager: “It wasn’t the most exciting race but a lot happened. Of course we wanted to win but Dani was just a few tenths faster each lap. In the beginning Jorge had a chance to follow but mid race he couldn’t follow anymore so he let him go and settled for second. With Casey running wide it was a safe move as he had no chance to challenge Dani. We gained four points so we are 40 behind now. We’re still alive and let’s see race by race. With three rounds to go we have to try and extend the decision to make Casey Champion, until then we still have a chance.”

Massimo Meregalli, Team Director: “Jorge did his best; I don’t think he could have done better. He made a perfect race, a good start and he was always pushing to close the gap. We’re looking forward to the next race and we’ll keep pushing as hard as we can.”

Source: Yamaha Racing