MotoGP 2009 reaches Europe this weekend when over 240,000 weekend fans are expected to descend on Jerez for the Spanish Grand Prix, round three of the world championship.
After Casey Stoner’s lights to flag domination at Qatar, last Sunday’s Motegi event at least provided closer racing - and Jorge Lorenzo’s 1.3sec victory over reigning champion and Fiat Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi means the young Spaniard is now leading the title chase by a single point heading into the first of his home races.
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Having finished second in both events so far, Rossi will be eager for his first victory of the season at the Andalusian circuit where he has achieved great success, winning five times in the premier class. Yahoo! Eurosports
As the MotoGP season makes its first European appearance this weekend, the leading riders will be pushing to make their statement on the championship - with just four points separating the top three.
Standing at the top of the rankings following his second MotoGP victory at Motegi a week ago is Fiat Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo. The Spaniard, also with a third place from the season opener in Qatar, is full of confidence as he searches to give the local crowd something to cheer about.
“My motivation is high because I am arriving as the world championship leader in my home. I can’t ask for more,” Lorenzo said.
“I would like another podium, like last year in Jerez, and like the first two races in 2009. I am confident.”
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Sitting just one point behind Lorenzo is reigning world champion and Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi. With two second-place finishes this season, Rossi will be out not only to claim his first win of the year but also to claim the championship lead.
“We’ve made a good start to the season with two podiums which shows we are consistent, but now we need to make the step up,” Rossi said.
Australia’s Casey Stoner heads to Spain third in the championship, three points behind Lorenzo, after a win and a fourth.
“I’ve never really done well at Jerez, but in the winter test we worked well and set some quick times so we’ll try to get back on track in Spain,” Stoner said.
Rossi, too, is weary of Stoner in Spain.
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“I don’t know what problem Casey had in the race (Motegi), but he arrived only fourth and for sure in Jerez he will want his revenge,” Rossi said. Fox Sports
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