autoevolution
 

2014 MotoGP: Lorenzo Admits Making a Mistake before Crashing in Lap 1 in Qatar

The 2013 runner-up Jorge Lorenzo admitted he made a mistake prior to crashing in the first lap of the 2014 season’s debut round in Qatar.
Jorge Lorenzo crashes in Qatar 4 photos
Photo: motogp.com
Jorge Lorenzo crashes in QatarJorge Lorenzo crashes in QatarJorge Lorenzo crashes in Qatar
The Movistar Yamaha rider made a most impressive start from position 5 on the grid and reaching the leading spot before Turn 1, much like he got us used to on so many occasions. However, it looks like the track and tire temperature combo was less rider-friendly than he expected and the Spaniard soon crashed in Turn 15, while he was in the lead.

According to Lorenzo’s own words, he entered Turn 15 much too fast for the given conditions, and this caused his front wheel to loose grip, leading to the Spaniard low-side crashing out of the kick-off round of the current season.

“I made a mistake, it was a long time ago that I last did that in a race,” Lorenzo commented afterwards. “We are not perfect; we are only human and sometimes we make mistakes. The tires were different to last year and the temperature of the tarmac was a little colder.

I didn’t take these circumstances into account and I was too fast into the corner when the front and rear tire were not ready yet. It's a pity to lose so many points with Marc (Marquez) and Valentino (Rossi) and Dani (Pedrosa) who are the favorites. Valentino demonstrated that the Yamaha can fight even with these tires and the championship is very long so let’s see what happens in Austin,” Lorenzo tells. No serious injuries have been reported for the Spanish rider.

The Qatar round victory was claimed by Marc Marquez, with Valentino Rossi second and Marquez’ team mate Dani Pedrosa third. The next MotoGP round brings the riders to Austin, TX, at the Circuit of the Americas, 11-13 April.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories