Jorge Lorenzo delivered a perfect performance in front of his home fans on Friday, when he finished day one of the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez on top of the timesheets.
The young rookie, who took pole position and then second place on his MotoGP debut at Qatar, was under lap record pace in the afternoon session and looks on-course to give his passionate home fans an exciting weekend.
The Fiat Yamaha rider had been fifth fastest in the morning session but gradual work on his set-up, starting from a good base following the February test, led to an improved pace in the warmer afternoon session and a best time of 1min 40.321secs - enough to edge out superstar team-mate Valentino Rossi by 0.043 seconds, with Yamaha Tech 3 rider Colin Edwards in third.
"The first day has gone very well and I'm really happy to have had a day like this here at Jerez. My bike feels great and it's a huge emotion for me to be here riding 'at home' in front of all the Spanish fans," said Jorge. "I feel like all of Spain is watching us this weekend and I hope that we're going to be able to give them a great show.
"We have a good base setting after the test here and the first race and, although of course we have more work to do, I think that we're on the right track. My team is working well, the bike and the Michelin tyres also are very good and I feel that there is great energy, excitement and motivation in our garage.
"After today I think we're in good shape for the weekend and my hope is that we will be able to fight at the front. The weather today was fantastic and I really hope this continues, for the fans and for us!" concluded a beaming Lorenzo.
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