MotoGP: [VIDEO] Lorenzo & Yamaha Aiming for the Podium at Jerez

Yamaha's Factory MotoGP Team is expecting success at Jerez, the fourth race in the 2013 MotoGP circuit and the first race on European soil. Both Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo have an intimate relationship with Andulasian race track which has been in the MotoGP circuit for more than 25 years. In the wake of MotoGP new comer Marc Marquez' outstanding performance in Austin and third place finish in Qatar, Yamaha is seeking to impede the rookies' pace and own the top spots on the podium at Jerez.

The reigning MotoGP Champion Lorenzo is now tied for first with fellow Spaniard Marc Marquez.

"We have to keep calm and think about the Championship because it is so long. Normally Jerez is a better track for Yamaha but you never know with this level of riding where you are going to find your best circuit. Jerez is smaller than Austin and the straight is much shorter; this will give us less disadvantage [an advantage]. The flowing corners will also help us a lot. Jerez is one of my favourite tracks and we will be competitive there for sure," Lorenzo commented.

What is Jorge Talking About?

The reigning premiere-class World Champion has been riding iterations of Yamaha's YZR-M1 motorcycle since he stepped up to the MotoGP class in 2008. Lorenzo raced Jerez for the first time at the age of 10 and won twice in the 250cc class. Since stepping up to MotoGP he has placed 1st twice (2010 & 2011) and has been on the podium every other year, save for 2009 when he did not finish.

While making no attempt to downplay Marquez' spectacular finish at the inaugural Circuit of the Americas (COTA) race in Austin, Mr Marquez' RC213V was better suited to the larger, power-hungry COTA track which has 20 turns and is 5.513 km long. To compare, Jerez is in a somewhat remote location in a natural amphitheatre setting, has 13 turns and is a modest 4.428 km long. Figures, "everything is bigger in Texas". Jerez is a small tight, technical track, the straight is smaller and turn 13 is a hairpin turn of some notoriety.

The 21013 Yamaha's YZR-M1 MotoGP Class Motorcycle 

The 2013 Yamaha Factory MotoGP team is striving for cornering and hard-braking stability in the 2013 YZR-M1. The design of the new chassis provides longitudinal stiffness, which is offers stability under such conditions. The YZR-M1 motorcycle has been design specifically for the closely placed turns and short straights at Jerez.

More Pressure for Lorenzo

The Jerez circuit announced that it would name turn 13, the last turn before the finish/start after Lorenzo. A special ceremony is set for Saturday May the 4th, the day before the race, which is also Jorge's 26th birthday.

The circumstances are ripe for creating an exciting and emotional race between the three riders that are clearly the stars of the 2013 MotoGP season. These external events favour Lorenzo for the win, it would be a heart-warming tale. Though an upset stirs just as much or more emotion. And let us not forget the supremely talented "Doctor" (Rossi) has had 7 podium finishes and 5 wins at Jerez in his MotoGP career.

The Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix is this Sunday May 5th.

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