Lorenzo sure of Misano and Michelin improvement

Jorge Lorenzo made an early arrival in Misano on Wednesday, taking part in a presentation to commemorate 50 years of lollipop manufacturer Chupa Chups at the Aquafan park in Riccione. He took to the stage and signed autographs for fans at the event. The Spaniard has long been associated with the product, and was happy to be in attendance ahead of this weekend´s race.

`I feel closely linked with Chupa Chups…let´s say that they´ve been `my´ sponsor. I´ve always worn the daisy logo on my helmet, suck a Chupa Chup on the podium, and to be celebrating their fiftieth year is something special that makes me proud,´ said the Fiat Yamaha rider, who is hoping to return to podium-celebrating ways before the end of the year.

Lorenzo had a somewhat disappointing race at the last round of the World Championship, struggling with grip at Brno. He sees things going differently at Misano, however, and appears to be regaining the confidence that was missing after some nasty mid-season crashes.

`I would expect us to do better than in the last race. We are certainly capable of being regular top five finishers,´ added the winner of last year´s 250cc race at Misano.

Lorenzo stayed on at Brno last time for two days of testing and, despite catching a fever, felt that he had been able to make improvements to both his riding style and tyre options. Whilst grip was the main problem in the Czech Republic, the MotoGP rookie still has full confidence in rubber supplier Michelin.

`I have to trust in them right until the end; it´s a prestigious company with a lot of history and, because they have won many championships and allowed me to win a race this season, I would have to continue to believe in what they have and be eager to use it,´ he concluded.´