Jorge Lorenzo makes solid start in Sepang
The last of the overseas triple-header Grand Prix has kicked off today at the Sepang International Circuit with the first two free practice sessions ahead of the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Jorge Lorenzo jumped into action and set the fastest time of the weekend so far, with team-mate Valentino Rossi wrapping up the day in fifth position in the combined times.
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi have started the action in the first free practice sessions ahead of this weekend’s penultimate round of the championship.
Lorenzo successfully started off the 25th anniversary of the Malaysia Grand Prix weekend during the slightly hazy morning session. The relatively cool temperatures on track helped the Majorcan rider to make his intentions clear.
Aware that every session is important for the outcome of the championship as he attempts to close down the gap to Rossi in the overall standings, he come out of the starting block flying, and posted a best lap of 2’00.622s for second place.
Happy that the usual tropical rain showers at Sepang in the afternoon did not make an appearance today, the Majorcan continued to make progress during the hotter FP2 session.
He focused on perfecting his setting until, with eight minutes of the session remaining, it was time to put his YZR-M1 to the test under similar conditions that can be expected for the race if it stays dry.
Without further ado he delivered the fastest time of the day of 2’00.246s to lead the first day with a 0.047s advantage over his closest rival.
Jorge Lorenzo – 1st / 2’00.246 / 29 laps
“We are working very well on the setting of the bike. We have a good pace both with the old and the new tyre, we just need to improve some details, but overall it’s good. This afternoon it was very hot. It will depend on tomorrow’s weather, but I think the bike can be further improved so I can better my lap time.”