MotoGP Sepang test: Jorge Lorenzo still chasing front-end confidence

Double world 250 champion Jorge Lorenzo is hoping a new chassis he will debut tomorrow might help him make some progress in trying to cure a persistent lack of front-end feel at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.

The Spaniard will test a new chassis in Malaysia in a bid to help cure the front-end stability issue that has dogged him on his two previous visits to the Sepang circuit in November and January.

The problem struck again today, as he was fourth fastest with a best time of 2:02.654 after a 55-lap stint.

That was 1.1sec slower than he managed at the end of January, though track conditions were less than ideal today, with a dirty surface hampering times early this morning.

Jorge Lorenzo was using only one factory Fiat Yamaha YZR-M1 today while his mechanics built up a complete new bike from scratch with the new chassis.

Lorenzo has the same spec pneumatic valve engine that he used two weeks ago and he said: “Yamaha say the new chassis might help with the problem I have with the front.

“It has been a problem since I first rode at this track in November, and we don’t seem to be able to find a solution.

“Each time I turn into the corner the front feels like it is going to fold. I hope the new chassis will be an improvement.”