---
title: "Lorenzo ditches HJC for SHARK"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2016/01/04/lorenzo-ditches-hjc-shark/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Simon Toyne"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2016-01-04T14:24:18Z"
modified: "2016-01-04T14:24:18Z"
---

# Lorenzo ditches HJC for SHARK

Spain’s triple MotoGP World Champion, Jorge Lorenzo, and SHARK, the French helmet manufacturer have announced a three-year partnership in MotoGP.

Five-time world champion Lorenzo will be wearing the Race-R PRO, SHARK’s flagship product, in all races, after binning HJC following several high profile helmet mishaps in 2015.

The Factory Yamaha rider said: “I am very proud to be tackling the forthcoming seasons with such a prestigious brand as SHARK, which has a long history in MotoGP. For me, this represents a most exciting challenge and I am quite sure that, together, we will form a great team. I really hope that I can reward all this confidence they have placed in me with some major successes.”

The Chairman of SHARK, Patrick Francois, was equally pleased with the news. He said:
 “We are very proud of the trust that Jorge Lorenzo has placed in our brand and in our helmets by joining the SHARK Racing Team for the forthcoming seasons of MotoGP. Having the chance to work with such a high-level experienced rider is a real opportunity for our brand, as his skills will enable us to push back the technical boundaries of our products. Jorge is aware that thanks to our leading position in the market for motorcycle equipment, we will be applying all our know-how and expertise to every race in order to support him and fulfil all his expectations.”

The move comes after two dramatic helmet issues for Lorenzo last year, both of which undoubtedly cost the Spaniard points. At Qatar Lorenzo claimed the lining of his HJC came loose, causing him to drop back down the order to fifth, while he suffered another torrid time in the rain at a very wet Silverstone, going from the lead to eventually crossing the line in fourth place and blaming the issue on his visor misting up, making it unable to see the track.

Lorenzo’s team boss Lin Jarvis said it was unacceptable that Lorenzo wasn’t wearing a top of the range helmet, and the Spaniard has obviously taken that advice on board, although many in the paddock predicted he’d be wearing an Arai or Shoei lid in 2016. However, the Spaniard has gone his own way and signed with the popular French manufacturer.