The MotoGP paddock returns to Spain this weekend for the
final Grand Prix of the year, the Gran Premio Generali de la Comunitat
Valenciana.
With just 13 points separating defending champion Jorge
Lorenzo and current leader Marc Marquez, the scene is set for a dramatic race
on Sunday.
Lorenzo arrives in his home country having won the last two
races in Australia and Japan and determined to keep the pressure on, fully
aware that anything could happen in the last race of the season. He can claim
one premier class victory at the circuit in 2010 and a podium with third
position in 2009.
Teammate Valentino Rossi arrives in Spain intent on fighting
for a podium spot and doing what he can to help Lorenzo retain the world title.
The nine-time world champion has taken two premier class wins at Valencia in
2003 and 2004 and can claim multiple podiums with a second places in 2002 and
2009 and third places in 2005, 2008 and 2010.
The Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia is a true stadium
track that always attracts a record crowd to witness the final racing spectacle
of the MotoGP season. Completed in 1999, the MotoGP circuit is a 4km run with
five right hand corners, eight left and a 650metre straight.
Jorge Lorenzo
“So we come to the last race in Valencia. It’s going to be
exciting, maybe the most exciting of all the season. We are still in the fight
and that is the most important thing right now. I’m very stimulated because
three races ago we thought the championship was over. Instead we have a chance
to fight for the title. Valencia is my home race and it will be very emotional
considering our position in the classification. We don’t have anything to lose
but everything to win, and this card plays on our side. Maybe our main rival
can feel much more pressure in Valencia than us because he is so close to
victory. I look forward to riding there and pushing with all my force. If we
can continue to ride at our level we can fight for the win and then wait for
the circumstances. You never know what can happen, especially if the forecast
is uncertain as it was last year. We trust in ourselves and we expect a good
race in front of our fans. We will never give up until the end!”
Valentino Rossi
“Usually Valencia is not one of my best tracks but I have
had some good podiums there and some wins. As always we have to try and do the
maximum for the weekend. If I am strong enough I want to try and help Jorge as much
as possible on Sunday and also to arrive on the podium.”
Wilco Zeelenberg
Team Manager
“Well, finally we could complete a couple of great races at
Phillip Island and Motegi with two stunning victories from Jorge. The
championship is almost over but we have to face Valencia, the last race of the
season. Hopefully we will fight for the title there. As everybody knows in one
race everything can happen. Let’s see how it goes throughout the weekend and
what the climate conditions are because it is autumn; rain and cold are there,
threatening. We have to be aware of that tricky track if it’s rain because it
is so slippery. Jorge has to be calm and focused but he did a great job all
season and we are also able to beat here our rivals. He is very strong
physically and mentally and riding in perfect form. We don’t have anything to
lose and the opportunities are there.”
Massimo Meregalli
Team Director
"We go to Valencia with the goal to make the best race
weekend possible. The World Championship will be decided at the last race and
we will be key protagonists. We want to complicate as much as possible the
weekend of our opponents. Jorge has proven to be in great form and really
strong. In Japan he made a really incredible race. The team was just perfect in
the last race so in Valencia we will try to do the same thing. It will be
important that Valentino is in good shape. We'll have to make sure that Valentino
can be with the other three riders. He wants it, the team also and we are ready
to close the season in the best way.”
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