Lorenzo: 2010 MotoGP Title Not Vital

Jorge Lorenzo insisted that, while not regarding his runner-up spot in the 2009 MotoGP standings as a personal failure, he doesn't look at the 2010 title as a necessity. The Spaniard will enter his final year of contract with Yamaha next season, and clinching a world title may seem necessary to convince the Japanese bike manufacturer into a further extension of that deal.

However, the Spaniard doesn't seem to see it that way, especially with riders like Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner battling for the world title. If anything, his second place during the 2009 campaign may be regarded as a positive result and something that he would be proud of achieving in 2010 also.

“I can be nothing but satisfied with my second place in the championship. It will be difficult in 2010 because (Casey) Stoner has returned stronger than ever, (Dani) Pedrosa may have a more competitive Honda, and Valentino is always there - he will be 31, that's true, but he isn't old at all. I want to be there with them,” said Lorenzo, according to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

In addition, Lorenzo made it very clear that he holds no resentment over teammate Rossi for his alleged ultimatum towards Yamaha earlier this year. The Italian had reportedly told Yamaha to retain him, and not Lorenzo, from 2011 onwards, or else he has a “good offer from Ducati waiting.”

“It's not up to Valentino to decide the riders for 2011. That choice is up to Yamaha. We are just employees,” added the Spanish rider.

Lorenzo was himself linked with a move to Honda at the end of the 2009 season, but both Yamaha and Honda decided to keep the same lineup for at least one more season. Dani Pedrosa's deal with Honda is due by the end of 2010, which is when some switches on the riders' market are expected to happen in the MotoGP.