MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo backs 250 stars to shine in MotoGP

New Yamaha MotoGP recruit Jorge Lorenzo reckons any of the current top five riders in the world 250 GP championship could be competitive and run at the front in MotoGP.

The Spaniard has already confirmed his place in next year’s premier class series by signing a deal with Yamaha. It is widely expected that his 250 GP rivals Andrea Dovizioso and Alex de Angelis will be joining him in 2008.

And the reigning world 250 champion believes any of the top five riders in the 250 MotoGP class could rock up next season and mix it with the likes of Valentino Rossi (Fiat Yamaha) and current MotoGP world championship leader Casey Stoner (Marlboro Ducati).

Jorge Lorenzo believes he could be a threat on the evidence of the performance of former 250 riders like Casey Stoner and compatriot Dani Pedrosa, who have won seven out of 11 races between them so far in the new 800cc era.

Former 250 rider Anthony West (Kawasaki) has also impressed in his short spell on board Kawasaki’s factory ZX-RR.

Jorge Lorenzo told MCN: “I think all the top five riders in 250 can be in front in MotoGP.

“We have seen that from the 250 riders currently riding in the class, with the style needed to ride the 800s more close to the 250 style.”