Thailand welcomes Jorge Lorenzo

Jorge Lorenzo was met by a huge crowd in Thailand on Friday as he started his South East Asia trip with a visit to the Yamaha Motor Factory in Bangkok, before spending the afternoon at the capital city’s most important dealership, the Yamaha Rider’s Club.

The 22 year-old was welcomed by the factory President Frank Nagashima and Chief Operating Officer Praphan Phornthanavasit, and was then given a tour of each department of the plant where no fewer than 3,000 people work.

After, Lorenzo pulled on his race leathers to test ride a Yamaha YZF-R1 which was decorated in Fiat Yamaha livery, and delighted 800 onlookers with a burnout.

It was the first time Lorenzo had been aboard a motorcycle since an operation in Barcelona on November 16 to remove a plate from his left collarbone, and he enjoyed his experience.

“It is incredible to see so many happy people here in Bangkok, where they don’t get to see this kind of event very often,” said the Mallorcan. “Motorcycling is not one of the most popular sports here but it is certainly one of the most important businesses. To be able to come here and give the people at Yamaha a boost gives me a lot of pride. Tomorrow we’ll head to Indonesia and I’m sure we’ll find out even more about the secrets of this great brand.”