Le Mans MotoGP: Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo aim for 1-2

Fiat Yamaha duo Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo are hopeful they can help Yamaha dominate the French MotoGP race in Le Mans for a second successive season.

Rossi scored his 90th victory in Le Mans 12 months ago, aided by Lorenzo’s heroic ride to second helped Yamaha claim a clean sweep of the rostrum in 2008.

Tech 3 Yamaha rider Colin Edwards was third, sparking wild Yamaha celebrations.

Italian Rossi said:  “My memories of Le Mans last year are amazing because it was my 90th career victory and I made the lap of honour with Angel Nieto on my bike with me, because I equalled his record.

“Also there were three Yamaha’s on the podium, which was very special. Things are great in our team at the moment, we made a big step forward in Jerez; my bike was fantastic and it was great to win again.”

Spaniard Lorenzo, who crashed out of the last race in Jerez to surrender the world championship lead, said: “I was very sad about what happened in Jerez but now it is another story, everything begins again and I must try to do things step by step.

“The team and I need to improve after Jerez and main target is to get back on the podium. I will remember forever the incredible Yamaha podium of last year. It was amazing!

“I can see now Valentino, Colin and I enjoying the moment with all the Yamaha people smiling. I hope this year we can repeat that moment.”