Since making his 125cc debut as a 15-year-old, Jorge Lorenzo hasn’t looked back in his motorcycling career. He first tasted title victory in 2006 and again in 2007, clinching the 250cc championship. And at just 27, Lorenzo is a two-time MotoGP champion,
triumphing in 2010 and 2012, with 33 race wins from 120 starts since 2008.
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The Spaniard temporarily swapped two wheels for four as he made his Ferrari GT debut in the Gulf 12 Hours endurance race, driving the Kessel Racing Ferrari 458 Italia at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Before he got his first class win, he spoke to Sport360° about the 2014 season, his thoughts on title rival Marc Marquez, and his future goals.
How would you sum up your 2014 MotoGP season?
It was one of my best seasons to be honest. I made some mistakes in the first part of the championship but finished nine times in a row on the podium in the second half. In Valencia, I could’ve made it 10 podiums in a row but I didn’t finish the race because I changed my strategy. So let’s say the first part of the campaign was very bad but the second was good and that form helped me finish third in the championship. It’s not the best position because I want to win, but when you cannot finish first, then you have to aim for second or third position. The season was won by Marc Marquez.
What are your impressions of him as a competitor?
I’m fighting against a very strong rider. If I’m in my best shape, physically and mentally I can fight with him and we can fight together for the title.
Marquez has only won the title two years in a row. There are riders previously who have won five championships in a row. Marc is still very young and in his first year (in 2013), he won the title with a gap of four points. It was a season where I made many mistakes. I got injured and he got lucky and didn’t get injured as much as me.
He was very strong in the 2013 season because he was a rookie and to be champion is not something that usually happens. And in 2014 he was far superior and much stronger than the rest of us.
You are a two-time MotoGP world champion. Are you surprised by how much you have achieved in your career?
Without any doubt I got much more than what I ever expected. When I was a kid I just wanted to compete in MotoGP. But not only have I achieved that but also I got so many race victories, world titles so I have achieved much more than what I expected to do and I’m very proud of what I’ve done. I’ve been very lucky because I have had a lot of opportunities, but I also work hard with my father and those around me. I have finally achieved my dreams and I’m genuinely a lucky guy.
Would you say your 2010 and 2012 world titles have been the highlights of your career?
Yes, it’s been the most important. I had great success in 125cc and 250cc but MotoGP is the most important. There’s no one stronger than you when you win the MotoGP championship.
What has been the key element to your success?
There are many elements but it was important to remain disciplined, put in a lot of effort and to keep going when things are not going well because for sure things will not always be good. It’s important to have some talent and put in a lot of training.
You broke your collarbone twice in the 2013 season. You made a quick recovery missing just the German MotoGP but that season must have been difficult with only four points between you and title winner Marquez.
Sometimes it happens. You can win a championship by 100 points but can also lose it by the same margin. Obviously, if this happens to you, you just have to accept it.
Can you describe the emotions when you got those injuries?
It wasn’t the first time because I’ve suffered many injuries during my career. In Assen, I got operated on a Thursday and came back the next day to finish in fifth position. It was really emotional but at the same time I was really proud of myself because of the effort I had put in.
You competed in the Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi. What did you make of the experience?
It went very good. This was my first experience in GT3 with Ferrari and I wanted to drive that car – very big and powerful. The Yas Marina track is unbelievable and looks amazing at night.
Would you like to make the transition to four wheels in the future?
I’m doing this just for fun. I still have so many things to do in MotoGP. But maybe in the future when I will stop MotoGP, then maybe I can do something with four wheels.
You’re only 27, so what goals have you set yourself for the future?
I want to improve as a rider and a sportsman. I want to make as few mistakes as possible and hopefully win one more world title.
Which the favourite track you have raced on?
Philip Island (Australia), because it’s very special from the other circuits; beautiful background scenery, a lot of grass and one can go very fast around the track.
How would you liked to be remembered in the sport when you do retire?
I want to be remembered as a rider who was a good role model to young people and as a professional sportsman who tried his absolute best.
Who has been your role model?
Michael Jordan. He was close to perfection. He had the talent and always put in a lot of effort. He would put in a lot of hours to improve, has the charisma and he knew how to behave.
What are your hobbies?
Playing golf and football. I like playing on my Xbox and Playstation too. I’m now playing Tour de France and also Formula One, MotoGP and FIFA.
What other sport do you play?
Football. Everyone is a fan of the sport because it’s fun and to score a goal is very emotional. I support Barcelona because I lived many years in Barcelona and I like the way they play offensively.
And your favourite food?
I like Sushi because it’s very healthy.
