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Jorge Lorenzo and the man who knows him best - dad Chico

In his swansong ride for Movistar Yamaha at Valencia Jorge Lorenzo dominated, crowning a pole position and lap record with his last win for the Japanese MotoGP squad. He celebrated in the best possible way after nine years together which have brought three world titles, 44 victories, 107 podium finishes and 39 poles.

Under the podium at Valencia, there was huge applause and congratulations. The memory of last year, when the Spaniard was hissed by his own countrymen, eradicated. Finally a pay-back. A well-deserved triumph, recognised by all his rivals, beginning with Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez. And it’s under the same podium that BSN met Chico, Jorge’s father, the person who put baby Jorge on a bike and pushed him hard to pursue a career on two wheels.

Chico paints a human portrait of the five-time world champion and 29-year-old son who joins Ducati for 2017, taking the up challenge that beat Valentino Rossi:

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With the victory at Valencia, Jorge closes an era and is ready for a new challenge. Have you given him any advice?
“Jorge closes an important chapter of his life: nine years and three world titles with Yamaha. Regarding Ducati I didn’t give him any advice, it’s him who has to decide, my task is to support him in his choices.”

Which are the best memories of these nine years with Yamaha?
“The first pole position in Qatar on his debut race in MotoGP back in 2008, his first win at Estoril 2008, his first MotoGP world title in 2010.”

Do you think that he can be a title contender in 2017?
“Yes, I believe that he will be competitive from the beginning. The Desmosedici is a very good bike: the acceleration is impressive, the top speed on the straight as well. The only difficulties are the tyres.”

Why have the Michelins have affected him so much his season?
“Jorge is a smooth rider who looks for corner speed rather than hard braking or an aggressive riding style. This year we have seen that when he was comfortable with the tyres, like here in Valencia, he was unbeatable. But. in general, he has been struggling more than others, especially in rainy and mixed conditions.

“On many circuits, Michelin has opted for a safer solution, which means a harder compound in order to make the tyres last well for the whole race distance, while Jorge prefers the softer option. It happened something similar to Pedrosa, because both Dani and Jorge are the finest riders on the grid and they struggled more.”

Can you give us three words to describe Jorge as a person?
“Non-conformist, demanding and perfectionist.”

And one defect?
“He has many…. (he laughs). He doesn’t like to lose. This is a characteristic that all the great champions share. He has been like this since he was a kid. He was able to change the rules of the game in order to win. When you play with him, you cannot win.”

How do you describe Jorge as a rider?
“I think he is the most elegant and finest rider.”

What is the strongest point of Ducati?
“Gigi Dall’Igna! He has the same qualities as Jorge: non-conformist, demanding and perfectionist. Together they will make a winning duo. They have worked together in the smaller classes. The duo is back. Together they will make a very good team.”

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