MotoGP: Lorenzo 'closer than ever' to debut Ducati win

Jorge Lorenzo says he’s edging ever closer to his first win since making the switch from Yamaha to Ducati at the start of the season, as the five-time word champion took his closest ever finish to the race winner at Sunday’s British Grand Prix.

Coming home only three and a half seconds adrift of race winner and teammate Dovizioso, he admitted after the race that he feels like his time is coming as he edges ever closer to finishing at the front of the pack.

“It’s my best performance so far. I’ve improved my race from last time, and I might be one position worse but I’m three seconds closer to the leader. I’ve still got to get some more podiums before I can challenge for the title next year, but if I can get a win this season and some better results I’ll be able to go into next year in a better place. Theoretically, things can only get better and better.”

TOP STORIES

• Video: Listen to the new Ducati V4
• Podcast: British Grand Prix special
• MCN Fleet: GSX-R1000R gets a short back and sides
• Win! Loads of lovely goodies
• Injured rider back on the road thanks to Minster Law

The race was a change in tactics from recent races for him, though, as he bided his time behind the leaders instead of pushing forwards and leading the race as he did last time out in Austria, before dropping back. But, with lessons learned, he says that he’s in a better position than ever thanks to his new strategy.

“I simply didn’t start very well, or at least didn’t recover any positions. I could have overtaken some riders on braking, but I decided to not take any risks and stay where I was. I changed my riding a little bit to control the throttle more and spin the tyre a little less, to help maintain it. I think if I had been a little bit faster at the beginning I would have been slower at the end. It’s another thing that I’ve had to learn and finally I’ve understood it.”

But with his elusive maiden win on the Italian manufacturer’s machine still eluding him, Lorenzo admitted at the end of Sunday’s race that to deliver it at one of the season’s remaining six circuits could be a big ask.

“The clock is ticking! But anything can happen, and we have a good chance next time out at Misano for it to happen there. There is a lot of corners there and Marquez and Honda are strong there – but I think that if nothing goes wrong we can fight for the podium and maybe even for the victory.”

Have a browse for your next bike on MCN Bikes For Sale website or use the MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.