Jorge Lorenzo home to rapturous reception

Thousands of fans lined the streets in Mallorca earlier this week to welcome home new MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo.

The 23-year-old was met by crowds and dignitaries at the airport before enjoying a parade through the capital city of Palma de Mallorca, ending at the Illes Balears Presidential Palace. He presented one of his special ‘Astronaut’ helmets used in Estoril last season and Laguna Seca earlier this year to President Frances Antich.

The double world 250GP champion then joined his family on the palace balcony to wave to the thousands of people below, who joined together in a rendition of ‘We Are The Champions’.

The Fiat Yamaha rider clinched his maiden MotoGP title when he finished third in the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang earlier this month.

Lorenzo recently signed a new two-year deal with Yamaha and will be partnered by Texan Ben Spies in 2011 following the departure of Valentino Rossi to Ducati.