LORENZO Eager For AUSTIN UPTURN

Jorge Lorenzo is determined to put a miserable weekend in Argentina behind him by improving his poor record at the Grand Prix of The Americas this weekend.


World champion Lorenzo crashed out on lap six at Termas de Rio Hondo on Sunday, having struggled to get to grips with a dirty track during practice on Friday.

The Movistar Yamaha rider started the defence of his title with victory in Qatar last month, but is 16 points behind leader Marc Marquez after the opening two rounds of the season.

Lorenzo has only managed one podium finish at the Circuit Of The Americas and that came three years ago, with Marquez boasting a perfect record in the race.

The 28-year-old Lorenzo is eager to put that right by making his presence felt in Austin.

He said: "After a very disappointing race in Argentina I look forward to racing in Austin. I thought we could get some good points in Termas de Rio Hondo but unfortunately we struggled all weekend and finally in the race as well.

"The COTA circuit is not one of my favourite tracks nor for Yamaha so we need to try to understand as soon as possible the circuit with the new electronics and tyres.

"Let's see how things are going during the weekend but I'm eager to do a good race and try to recover some points before facing the first race in Europe."

Marquez claimed his first victory of 2016 in Argentina, with his Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa third behind Valentino Rossi.

Two-time MotoGP champion Marquez has won all three Grand Prix of The Americas, so it would be no surprise to see him top the podium once again.

Rossi is only eight points adrift of Marquez after taking second spot last weekend and the Yamaha rider is eyeing another productive weekend at a track where he finished third last year.

He said: "I am happy to return to Texas and to race at COTA. We have to work hard in Austin because it's crucial to understand quickly how bike, tyres, electronics and this track work together.

"Furthermore in the last laps of the race I'm not very strong so we need to improve with the bike on these tyres. Historically it is a difficult circuit for us and for Yamaha, but last year I could arrive on the podium so I will try also this year."


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