Jorge Lorenzo Keen To Keep Strong Momentum At Le Mans
May 08, 2008
MotoGP
Despite his painful ankle injuries Fiat Yamaha´s superb MotoGP rookie Jorge Lorenzo was in a buoyant mood as he visited BCN 08 motorshow to help Yamaha Spain launch a new scooter named after him.
The Lorenzo Replica Scooter, based on the Yamaha Jog, is likely to be a big hit in the 21 year-old rider´s native country such is the following he enjoys, and in his typically upbeat style on Thursday he re-stated his determination not to let the injuries from his spectacular highside crash, in free practice at Shanghai last Friday, slow him down.
Remarkably finishing just off the rostrum in China, his first non-podium result thus far in 2008, Lorenzo is keen to keep the strong momentum of his first season in the premier class going with the next stop on the calendar being a visit to the famous Le Mans circuit in France.
On returning from the Far East on Monday Lorenzo was further examined by trusted specialist Dr. Xavier Mir, at Barcelona´s Institut Universitari Dexeus, where it was established that a fracture of the right astragalus (the bone that articulates with the tibia, fibula, calcaneus, and navicular) and a broken ligament in the left ankle would require complete immobilisation.
“I´m confident my ankles will get better and I´m sure I´ll be able to race at Le Mans. I really want to be there racing, it´s the only thing I´m thinking about at the moment. I´m sure I can make it with a lot of motivation.”
“Tomorrow I´m going to the Doctor again to see what is happening. Hopefully the fracture is healing nicely and I´m fit for the next Grand Prix. Of course, I won´t be 100% fit but at least at 60% for sure. It should be enough to ride again,´ concluded the tough young Spaniard.”
