Lorenzo hoping to continue positive upsurge for Ducati’s home race

Positive signs of an upsurge are evident for Ducati rider Jorge Lorenzo, one he is hoping will continue for this weekends San Marino GP at the Misano Circuit in England.

After a difficult start to his new tenure with the Italian based team this season, the recent British Grand Prix saw the Spanish rider scoring a strong fifth place, finishing just 3.5 seconds behind his teammate, Andrea Dovizioso, the closest he has ever been behind the winner in this season's races.

Jorge has a truly extraordinary record at Misano, the Spanish rider qualifying nine times on the front row, with three poles in the last three years, and scoring three wins and four second places.

“The Silverstone race had many positive aspects. I finished the closest I've ever been from the winner this season and Andrea won and became leader of the championship, so the atmosphere in the team is very good,” Jorge said. “The aim at Misano will be to confirm the upswing we've shown in the last few races, where I've accumulated more experience and confidence with the bike.”

“The test we did here was very positive and will be useful in order to have a good starting base right from the first day. In addition Misano is one of my favourite circuits, I've won here several times in MotoGP and I'm convinced we can get a good result. For sure the Ducati fans will give us an extra gear with their support from the grandstand and I can't wait to race for the first time with Ducati at Misano.”

Built in 1972, the Misano circuit was a venue for GP races in the 80s and 90s before dropping off the calendar for fourteen years.

After a number of modifications to improve the infrastructure and a change in the track direction, Misano returned to the MotoGP calendar in 2007. As always for a ‘home' round, the Ducati Team riders can count on the support of numerous fans present in the Ducati Grandstand.

The Misano weekend programme gets underway later this morning with the first free practice session at 9.55 am (local time), while the 28-lap race is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 14.00.