Lorenzo confident of good result at “a track I like very much”
Yamaha Factory Racing riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies head to Northamptonshire in the United Kingdom this week for the Grand Prix of Great Britain at the Silverstone circuit on the 17th June. The 2011 Silverstone Grand Prix proved to be a difficult one for the team as both riders crashed out of the race in treacherous wet conditions. Lorenzo’s record at the modified Silverstone circuit is otherwise strong, taking victory from pole in 2010, MotoGP’s first visit to the track since 1986. The Championship leader arrives in the UK 20 points clear of closest rival Casey Stoner at the top of the standings and looking to again increase the gap.
The 5.9km Silverstone circuit straddles the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire borders and was first used for impromptu car racing in 1947. It is most famous as the home of the British Formula One Grand Prix, which was first held there in 1948 and has been contested at the track every year since 1987. Silverstone is no stranger to bike racing, with the 500cc machines having raced there from 1977 to 1986. MotoGP returned in 2010 after extensive alterations to the track including remodelled sections and faster, sweeping corners to tailor it to the current MotoGP machines. With plenty of overtaking opportunities it is sure to provide an exciting spectacle come race day.
Jorge Lorenzo “Silverstone is a track I like very much. In 2010 I think I did the best riding of the season, we won with a big advantage. Unfortunately last year it rained and I crashed trying to catch Casey. Let’s see if this year we can repeat the 2010 race. It’s a track which is very positive for Yamaha so I am confident we can achieve a good result.”
Wilco Zeelenberg “It looks like it might be a dreadful weekend weather-wise again! Last year we arrived at Silverstone struggling a bit. This year we arrive leading the Championship in good form. We are in a good position to enjoy the riding and be competitive. As always we will aim for the best possible result. The crew are working well, we have an excellent base set up for the bike for every race so far and I think Silverstone will be the same story.”
Source: Yamaha MotoGP
