Jorge Lorenzo to use updated Yamaha engine in Indianapolis

Jorge Lorenzo’s bid to overturn a 32-point deficit on MotoGP title rival Casey Stoner will get a boost in Indianapolis next week with the Spaniard to use an updated Yamaha YZR-M1 engine.

The reigning world champion tested the revised spec in-line four-cylinder motor earlier this week at the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic.

He was able to set a best lap of 1.56.727 with the upgraded engine, which had more acceleration and top speed.

That time was a fraction outside of his qualifying best in Brno and Lorenzo said: “It is only a slight difference but for sure in Indy we will use this engine. It seems a little bit better in top speed but it is not clearly much better.

“But it is always good to have something extra and more than what you had and this is the engine we will use in the next races.”

Lorenzo’s factory Yamaha squad also confirmed to MCN that he tried a new fairing, electronics and chassis at the Brno test session, clearly demonstrating that the Japanese factory is determined to win the premier class world title for a fourth consecutive season.

Texan team-mate Ben Spies also tested the revised 800cc engine and he too will use it for his home race in Indianapolis on August 28.

Spies grabbed pole position and a career best second place at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway 12 months ago and he said: “As a rider you always want a massive step and it is not that.

“But it is a step and we just wanted to confirm the bike was going to handle the same with a bit more engine performance. With not the same effort, I put in the same time I qualified at, so it was confidence inspiring for Indy and the rest of the season. The 800s have been around for a lot of years so there was never going to be a big step.

“But we got a step and it wasn’t more power in one certain area but all over. It felt very smooth and I had a little bit more power all through the range. Maybe we can get some more out of it before the end of the season.”