Title chase no influence on Motegi decision, says Jorge Lorenzo

Jorge Lorenzo has brushed off suggestions he will have to race at the Twin Ring Motegi in Japan next month to have any hope of retaining the MotoGP world title.

Lorenzo’s brilliant victory in Misano last weekend cut Casey Stoner’s series lead to 35-points with five races remaining after the Aussie faded to third with severe fatigue.

But Lorenzo said the title run-in would have zero impact on his decision on whether to race in the re-scheduled Japanese Grand Prix on October 2.

The factory Yamaha rider has expressed major reservations about racing in Japan because of the circuit’s proximity to the Fukushima nuclear plant, which was badly damaged when a devastating earthquake struck the Far East nation in March.

The world’s top riders, including Lorenzo, Valentino Rossi and Stoner, have still to come out in public and say whether they will ride at the Twin Ring Motegi or boycott the event.

But triple world champion Lorenzo said his judgement would be made on personal rather than professional grounds.

He said: “My decision on Japan is not going to be based on the championship. If I am really convinced to go then I will go. If I am not I don’t care about the championship because as I said always this year my first priority is my health.”

Yamaha confirmed to MCN recently that it will still participate in the Motegi round even if Lorenzo or team-mate Ben Spies fail to attend. It is understood its Japanese test riders are on standby in case they are required.