MotoGP » Lorenzo set for latest comeback.

Tuesday, 12th August 2008

Race-winning MotoGP rookie Jorge Lorenzo prepares for his latest injury return.

Race-winning MotoGP rookie Jorge Lorenzo will make his latest return from injury at this weekend's Czech Republic Grand Prix.

Lorenzo underwent arm surgery immediately after his stunning debut MotoGP victory at Estoril, only to break his ankles next time out in China.

Further falls at Le Mans, Mugello and Barcelona climaxed in the Spaniard missing his second home race due to concussion, with attempts to carefully rebuild his battered confidence then shattered by a huge first lap highside - which left him with three broken metatarsals in his left foot - at Laguna Seca. Intense physiotherapy during the summer break has at least offered Lorenzo the chance to reach 'near full fitness' for this weekend's Czech Republic Grand Prix at Brno, a circuit where he has taken 250cc victory from pole position for the last two seasons, in addition to a 125cc win back in 2004.

"I am going to Brno with a high hopes and above all trying not to think about the disappointment of Laguna Seca; it's behind me now," said the reigning double 250cc world champion. "In the USA I was fast once again and I hope that I can carry on like this in the Czech Republic. I know that I can.

"Brno is a circuit that I like a lot, it's one of my favourites. I've won there three times in 125cc and 250cc. It's a good place for my riding style and the weather is normally perfect. Physically I feel very good after the crash and the injuries, I definitely feel as good as could be expected.

"It's the first time this season that I've really had proper time to recover, thanks to the holidays, so I think I am in good shape. At the moment I am still using my crutches to walk but I have been able to do some training and I know that I won't have a problem when I arrive in Brno on Thursday," he insisted.

For Lorenzo's Fiat Yamaha team manager Daniele Romagnoli, this weekend will be all about continuing the process of rebuilding Lorenzo's confidence in his Michelin-shod YZR-M1.