Zeelenberg overjoyed at first win with Lorenzo

Jorge Lorenzo’s energetic celebrations after his win at the Gran Premio bwin de España were well documented at Jerez when he jumped into the lake at the circuit, and whilst Wilco Zeelenberg did not engage in any such activities he was just as delighted at the Spanish rider’s first win of the 2010 campaign, his sixth in the premier class of MotoGP.

For Dutchman Zeelenberg it was also his first win in his role as Team Manager for the Fiat Yamaha rider, after he was announced in the position at the start of January. Having worked with Lorenzo throughout the pre-season it was a rewarding sight for Zeelenberg to see his rider take the chequered flag.

“We are delighted by the victory for Jorge. It’s his first victory of the season and the second one for the team, who are still first and second in the Championship, so the whole team is very happy,” said Zeelenberg.

“He had a great race,” he continued as he discussed the engrossing battle with Dani Pedrosa for victory. “The last ten laps were fantastic and I think Valentino and Dani were impressed about those last couple of laps by him, and also about the overtaking. Everything was very close but they had a big laugh about it, so I think they all respect the effort he put into those last five or six laps.”

Having had a successful career as a rider – he took part in over 100 Grands Prix – Zeelenberg has a real appreciation for Lorenzo’s display and duly praised him further.

“All my credit goes to Jorge for those last few laps, and of course a big thanks to the team who did a good job. They kept him relaxed as well over this weekend with 120,000 people here at Jerez! It was unbelievable and unforgettable,” he concluded.

Zeelenberg’s managerial experience bodes well for Lorenzo. Upon his retirement from riding professionally the Dutchman joined Yamaha Motor Europe as Technical Coordinator and Test Rider until 2008, and in 2009 won the world supersport with Yamaha rider Cal Crutchlow. He will be hoping to replicate that success in MotoGP this season with Lorenzo, and the duo have made a superb start with the 2009 World Championship runner-up currently sitting top of the standings after two rounds.