Lorenzo stuns with crutches to second.

Monday, 19th May 2008

Illustrious team-mate Valentino Rossi may have stolen the limelight with his 90th grand prix victory in Sunday’s French Grand Prix, but injured rookie Jorge Lorenzo arguably produced the ride of the day.

Fractures to both ankles at the previous Shanghai round have left Lorenzo needing a wheelchair or crutches when off the bike, and the Estoril winner raised serious doubts about his ability to race at Le Mans when he fell twice in practice – in addition to several other off-track moments.

The reigning double 250cc world champion had dug deep to qualify fifth on the grid, but later admitted he was ‘dreaming’ of a sixth or seventh place finish in the race – especially after lapping just 11th quickest in morning warm-up and plummeting to that same position by lap two of the grand prix.

Whilst championship rivals Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa and Rossi battled with Colin Edwards at the front, Lorenzo initially looked to be struggling and was still only ninth by lap seven.

However, the 21-year-old suddenly ‘found his feet’, bursting past John Hopkins, Loris Capirossi and Nicky Hayden on the following lap, before chasing down last year’s winner Chris Vermeulen.

Lorenzo overtook the Rizla Suzuki rider on lap 15, by which time Rossi had escaped out front, but Edwards, Stoner and Pedrosa were well within reach. The #48 made short work of the trio, helped by an engine failure for Stoner, and crossed the line five seconds from Rossi.

The amazing ride marked Lorenzo’s fourth podium from his first five MotoGP races, and he is now joint second with Pedrosa in the championship standings – just three points from Rossi.

The message was clear, if Lorenzo can finish in second with two broken ankles – at a track he had never ridden an M1 at before this weekend – what will he do when he is fit? His rivals must be worried…

“Firstly I want to say congratulations to Yamaha because it’s fantastic to have three on the podium and it demonstrates how strong our bike is,” said Jorge, who climbed the podium with the aid of crutches, and was given a seat to help rest his feet.

Saturday, 3rd May 2008

This huge highside looks set to end Jorge Lorenzo’s incredible start to his MotoGP career.

The 20-year-old rookie – who has taken three podiums from his first three races, including a debut win last time out in Estoril – was ejected spectacularly from his Fiat Yamaha midway through Friday’s first free practice at Shanghai, ending his hopes of a fourth consecutive pole position.

The accident occurred as the Spaniard switched direction from right to left, the rear wheel of his M1 losing traction before launching the reigning 250cc world champion into a huge 360-degree somersault.

Lorenzo landed hard on his feet, fracturing his left ankle and sustaining severe trauma and bruising to parts of his right ankle and foot.

The joint world championship leader was taken to a nearby hospital to have his injuries examined and missed the second free practice session as a result – but returned on Saturday to claim a brave fourth on the grid for Sunday’s race.

BUT Lorenzo RIDES AWAY !