Smooth opening session for Lorenzo

Jorge Lorenzo was right on the pace in the opening session at Laguna Seca, setting the second fastest lap of the first practice behind Casey Stoner. The Fiat Yamaha rider, who is defending his 47-point Championship lead this weekend, was the only rider to join Stoner under the 1’22” mark.

A best time of 1’21.932 left Lorenzo 0.233s off his rival’s pace in an hour that raised no issues for the 23 year-old and in which he was consistently fast, and he assessed how the first workload had gone.

"This was a good first practice and everything came quite easily; we didn't find any big problems and I was able to be at the front from the start,” said Lorenzo. “That said it looks like Casey is very strong here and we will have to work hard to catch him!”

Lorenzo then outlined his aims for Saturday’s second practice ahead of what will be an important qualifying session.

He continued: “I think I need to make some small changes to my riding style tomorrow rather than big changes to the bike setting and hopefully this will help us to find a few tenths and make sure we can fight on Sunday. A lot can change and I hope we can improve some more tomorrow."

Lorenzo’s Team Manager Wilco Zeelenberg is targeting some minor tweaks to the set-up of the M1 in order to find that extra level.

"We need to improve the balance between the front and rear, but we know that it's very difficult to have everything perfect at this track because the corkscrew is very unusual!” he said. “Second place is a good performance for the opening day and we're only two tenths off Stoner. We’re happy and will try to improve more tomorrow."