Astronaut Jorge Lorenzo Aims for Estoril Perfection

Considering Honda's domination in pre-season testing this year, Yamaha's reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo certainly did not expect to lead the overall classification after the first couple of rounds. The best new is yet to come though, as the upcoming Portuguese GP should provide him with the perfect opportunity to extend that lead from Honda duo Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner.

Heading to Estoril this weekend, Lorenzo will return to the scene where he scored his first ever victory in the MotoGP, and also the place where he is yet to be defeated by anyone in the last 3 years.

“This week we will be in Portugal, a country where I've had nice moments! In Estoril I got my first victory in the MotoGP class in 2008 which I repeated over the last two seasons,” said the Yamaha rider in a preview of the Portuguese race this week.

“The track has turned into a talisman for me and it is the place where the astronaut always comes back. We have been training for a month, and I hope that this makes us fit for a good race. We are in front of the standings, but it is very early and it is just the beginning,” he added.

The Estoril layout will also play well into the hands of the reigning world champions Yamaha Team, as it features a quite technical track, without long straights that would enable the Hondas to stretch their advantage in front of the field.

Following a 4-week break in the series, caused by the postponement of the Japanese GP at Motegi, the MotoGP field will have a busy schedule ahead, as this weekend's event will be followed by an official test at the same Estoril track on Monday.

“This week will also be important since we are testing on Monday and we will certainly be able to check a lot of things for the future set-up,” added the Spaniard.