Prior to Rossi's accident, which will keep him on the sideline for approximately two months, Lorenzo had managed to beat his 7-time world champion teammate in 2 out of 3 races, and was leading the point standings by 9 points. After the Italian GP, he is 25 points clear of second placed Dani Pedrosa, but many regard him as the only option for a world champion in 2010.
“It's a pity for everyone that Valentino is not here. Winning a championship is always a great feeling, but without Valentino it has lost a little bit of its value,” said Lorenzo ahead of this weekend's race at Silverstone.
“To have been in front of him before his crash, it doesn't matter that you were going to beat him at the end of the championship. It is still winning without Valentino. For me, at least before his crash I was at the front of the championship. We don't know what was going to happen if he didn't have his crash,” added the Spaniard.
Prior to the start of the season, Yamaha had suggested to Lorenzo that unless he finally wins a title in the MotoGP, his place in the team for 2011 would not be guaranteed. So he gave it his all in the first few races, when he managed to beat Rossi two times in a row.
“I don't know what was happening in his mind - maybe he had some pressure at Mugello, because it is his home GP. Maybe he was thinking he must win there, I don't know. (...) I can't say this is why he crashed, because I don't know,” added the Spanish rider.
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