MotoGP, Lorenzo: "Biaggi sadder than me for my retreat"

Jorge Lorenzo is facing the last weekend as an active driver and obviously every meeting with the press becomes an opportunity to talk about his decision, the present and also the future. Many are still hungry to understand the process that led Jorge to this decision, but the Spaniard is also aware that the work is not yet finished on the track. Honda wants to conquer the triple crown and in Valencia he will not be able to distract himself too much, but rather he will have to try to find the concentration to make a race as a protagonist helping Marquez in the enterprise.

Modern MotoGP bikes are over 300 hp, require great concentration and no distraction is allowed while riding. Yet it is natural to ask oneself and even ask the person directly concerned what is going through his head in these hours. Moments when Jorge is obviously receiving messages from fans, champions of this and other sports. And also by a certain Max Biaggi, a true friend for Lorenzo who, after having rooted for him when he was a child, experienced a real reversal of roles with the Italian who, having hung his helmet on a nail, has become one of the great supporters of Spanish.

Max Biaggi has often been by your side during these years. How did you react to your decision?

"I called him yesterday. I think he was sadder than I was. Since he retired he has always been my first supporter, we have heard each other many times on the phone, we have spoken many times in person, spent time together. He was not just any fan, but a real support for me. In my opinion it was a bit sad, but he was happy for me as a friend, because now I can enjoy the other things in life ".

From a certain point of view you will now also need to think about the future. Would you tease the idea of ​​running maybe for a single race, like Stoner did at the Suzuka 8 Hours?

"I haven't thought about it honestly yet. I'm focused on this race, because it's important to stay focused. This morning it was very difficult for me to forget yesterday's emotions. I received so many messages and it was difficult to stay focused. When will this weekend end race, I just want to enjoy a long vacation and then we'll see. Never say never. At the moment I don't think so, but let's see what the future brings. I see a wild card more likely then, rather than a participation in the Suzuka 8 Hours ".

A great flurry of emotions from yesterday to today. How did you feel on the bike?

"Yesterday I was a little sad, sure, but this morning I just needed to put my helmet on my head and find concentration. Here we run with bikes that have almost 300 horsepower, the tires have a lot of grip and running without concentration can be dangerous. But in any case in general I feel happy, I'm curious about my new life. But now I'm here and we are fighting like Honda for the last important goal of the season. I do not believe today that I have been driving badly, even considering the circumstances. I felt better than the last few races, I think I took a step forward. Maybe it will be difficult to pass the Q1, but I think I could aim to stay at least in the first 15 and Sunday try to collect as many points as possible ".

Do you feel the danger could be greater now that you've decided to stop?

"The danger is the same as always, I am concentrated exactly like all the other times. The only thing I think when I'm on track is to be as fast as possible. It happened to me today and I know it will be the same tomorrow. On Sunday when we will all be together in the group, I know that when the race and the positions stabilize, everyone will take their own pace and I think at that moment something will change inside me too ".

How did you spend the night, was it calmer or more nervous than others?

"As I said at the conference, yesterday was my fourth most important day in my pilot career. A very long day, as I finished answering all the messages I received only at two in the morning. I was happy yesterday to see all those people at my conference, I didn't imagine it. I was happy for the messages and affection I heard from the other drivers, team managers and all the fans. I slept well!".

The objective of the triple crown remains. Do you think you can help Marc here?

"We're not bad at all here as a team. Marc, as always, is very strong. I am in my last race, so maybe the situation is a bit particular, because it is also true that the Ducati seem to be slightly in difficulty. In my opinion it will be possible to conquer this triple crown, a result that we all want. I hope I can help the team to achieve this ".

Here in Valencia also runs the last leg of the MotoGP eSport championship. You are a big fan of video games, maybe tomorrow you could become a professional there too?

"In my opinion, to fight with those who practice high-level eSports you have to spend so much time in front of the Playstation that in the end you might need glasses. I love the Playstation, I play a lot of games, even driving. I am an enthusiastic fan, you know, but staying 7 or even 8 hours a day playing to be the best I think is really very difficult. I like the beach better! I can stay to play with the Playstation for an hour, an hour and a half, but absolutely not for 8 hours like a professional. But who knows, everything is possible in my opinion and I want to do so many things in my life. Meanwhile, I say that I will be present during the Valencia championship final ".

Audio collected by Paolo Scalera