Thursday, November 6, 2008

Lorenzo: China crash changed my year

Lorenzo: China crash changed my year

Jorge Lorenzo believes his crash in practice for this year's Chinese Grand Prix ended his hopes of fighting for the MotoGP title in his first year.

The Spaniard began his debut season in the top category with a string of pole positions and podiums, and took his maiden win in the third round at Estoril. But the fall in China began a series of accidents that ruined his season.

He fractured his ankle in the crash at Shanghai and more falls followed in the next three rounds at Le Mans, Mugello and Barcelona. Another crash followed at Sachsenring before he broke his foot in a first-lap crash at Laguna Seca.

"I definitely could have finished with more points than I did, that's for sure," Lorenzo told Reuters. "What position I couldn't say, but I think that the fall in China hugely changed the championship... my championship."

He eventually recovered to finished fourth in the championship but expects to improve next season.

"I fell many times this season and that suggests I fall all the time, but that is not true," he said. "I remember that when I started in 125cc, I fell a lot in the first year but after that I fell hardly ever. I may make mistakes, but I think next year I won't fall so much."

Lorenzo believes he will be in the running to take the crown away from Valentino Rossi next season.

"Why not?" he added. "Valentino is an amazing rider but it is not impossible to beat him. (Nicky) Hayden and (Casey) Stoner did it.

"I can only promise to work hard and have ambition."



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