Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) looked like he was on a pole lap at the Sachsenring but what ended up as his fastest attempt was shadowed by Danilo Petrucci (Alma Pramac Racing), and the Italian made it count to pip the Spaniard over the line. Lorenzo also made an error that cost him but he’ll nevertheless start from the front row for the German GP, and only 0.057 off polesitter Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) after going fastest on Friday…
“In general I’m really happy about the position and speed because coming here, if someone told me I would do a 20.3 with the Ducati at the Sachsenring it would be difficult to believe,” says the ‘Spartan’. “But we made it and other Ducatis are competitive too. I think we’ve done a good job in the box to improve the bike and I have some more ideas for Warm Up and if it works, I can improve a bit for the race.” On the error, the Mallorcan was zen: “It’s a pity to lose some little tenths with a mistake I made in the final acceleration which could have given me pole but ok, third is good, we have good pace and we expect a good race.”
So, a good race, he says? For Lorenzo that still means a win. Surprisingly, that’s something he’s never had at the Sachsenring, but the Spanaird says there’s no big reason for that – or any reason why it couldn’t change on Sunday.
“I’ve been very close to winning here. In 2009 and 2011 I was close, but for some reason I couldn’t take the victory. It’s not one of my favourites or where I can make the difference – and it’s opposite for Marc! But I think we’re close and I’m riding better here than in other years, the Ducati is competitive…victory is not impossible, the podium is quite possible and we’re going to fight for it.”
Can Lorenzo take the first Ducati win at the venue since 2008? And his first ever victory at the track? Find out from 14:00 (GMT +2) on Sunday...