Jorge Lorenzo comes into his first race as a Ducati rider confident of being competitive despite a largely difficult pre-season.
Lorenzo’s switch to Ducati for 2017 is one of the most hotly anticipated stories of the new season, with the Spaniard aiming to become just the sixth rider in history to win the MotoGP title with different manufacturers.
Testing hasn’t gone well for Lorenzo, however. Difficulties in adapting his riding style to the Desmosedici have plagued him all winter; the chief issue being the Ducati’s poor cornering performance disallowing him from carrying the kind of corner speed he is used to.
But, Losail is a circuit that suits the Ducati and is one Lorenzo has enjoyed great success at in the past. Because of this, he reckons he’ll be fast from the off this weekend.
“After the last test a few days ago on this circuit, I will be approaching the first race of the season in a confident and optimistic mood,” he said.
“The Losail circuit is a track that I like a lot and the characteristics of my Ducati adapt well, so I’m sure we’ll be quick right from the start.”
Lorenzo has six wins to his name in Qatar, three of those coming in the premier class. He also famously took pole position at the circuit on his MotoGP debut in 2008, and went on to finish the race in second.
Though confident of being quick, the Spaniard does admit he and the team still have work to do. His race pace in the final test left a lot to be desired, and he is still to decide on which direction to go in regards to tyres.
“We still have to find something to improve on our race pace, as well as try and work out the best tyre solution for the 22-lap race,” he added.
“But, in any case, I arrive in Qatar feeling good and with a real desire to do well. This will be my first GP on a Ducati, and so for me it will be a very special weekend.”
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