Lorenzo: I Won't Be Champion in 2009

Despite making a strong debut in the MotoGP class last year, Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo doesn't believe he will be able to challenge for the title this season. Rookie of the year in 2008, the Spaniard has won his 1st race in the Queen class on his 3rd attempt and finished the series in 4th place, despite picking some injuries midway through the season.

Nevertheless, Lorenzo reckons that there are at least 3 riders who are more entitled to win the series in 2008 rather than him, namely teammate Valentino Rossi, Honda's Dani Pedrosa and Ducati's Casey Stoner. However, he revealed that his sole aim in MotoGP is to become world champion in the next few years.

“It is very difficult, firstly because I don't have the experience to fight for the title. I think that right now there are riders with more experience. Above all there is a great champion in the shape of Valentino Rossi, who I have in the box next to me, and in theory he is the favourite,” said Lorenzo through Yamaha's online presentation for the new season.

“I am currently working very hard so that one day I can become World Champion, which is my objective. I don't know if I will achieve it next year, within two years or within five but that is the objective,” added the Spaniard.

He also expressed hope that he will physically recuperate in time for the new season.

“They're not 100% because I'm still missing a little mobility in my ankles, especially in the left one, but little by little they are clearing up. Many months have passed since the crashes and right now the problems I had with my forearms and my ankles, thanks to the specialists who I am lucky enough to have, the situation is gradually improving and I think that I will be if not 100% then around 95 or 97% before the start of the season,” concluded Lorenzo.