MotoGP boss Ezpeleta urges Jorge Lorenzo to make career decision

MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta has urged Jorge Lorenzo to make a decision on his future, having described the three-time premier class champion's recent struggles with Honda as "sad"

Lorenzo is approaching the conclusion of what has been a nightmare first season as a Honda rider, sitting 19th in the championship with just 25 points to his name ahead of the last round of the season at Valencia.

He has been a fixture towards the back of the grid ever since returning from injury after his four-race layoff caused by fracturing his back in an Assen practice crash in June.

Last month's Phillip Island round marked the nadir for Lorenzo as he finished the race more than a minute down on race-winning Honda team-mate Marc Marquez and 22 seconds behind the rider in front, Tech3 KTM's Hafizh Syahrin.

He showed a minor improvement last weekend at Sepang as he ended a run of four races outside the points by taking 14th place.

Ezpeleta, the CEO of MotoGP promoter Dorna, believes it' is time for Lorenzo to decide whether he truly believes has it him to return to his former greatness.

"I think Lorenzo has to make a decision," Ezpeleta told Autosport. "I get along very well with him, I like him very much, but he has to think about what he wants to do with his life.

"If it turns out that what happens is that his back hurts so much [after the crashes in Barcelona testing and Assen], then that's it.

"Jorge must start thinking about whether he can recover and become the Lorenzo we all know, or else he doesn't, for himself and for the championship.

"I don't like to see a guy as good as him finish 19th. Mind you, I don't think he can force himself more than he is doing."

Ezpeleta pointed out that Lorenzo had shown incredible resilience in the face of previous injuries.

In 2013, he broke his collarbone in an Assen practice crash, had surgery then returned to race to fifth place before another crash at the Sachsenring a week later damaged the titanium plate inserted in his shoulder to repair the original injury.

He missed that weekend's race but returned for the next round a fortnight later and took the title fight with Marquez down to the season finale despite ongoing pain from the double injury.

"If it turns out that after the last accident in Assen that all is not well, you have to consider what to do and decide whether to stop racing or whatever," Ezpeleta added.

"But I am convinced that if the Lorenzo who raced in Assen 2013 after surgery on his collarbone explains what he is doing now, he would not understand.

"It makes me sad to see him like this."


shares
comments

Aprilia's ex-Formula 1 boss reveals new MotoGP bike, engine plans

Folger in Yamaha split despite his MotoGP testing contract claim

Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?

Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Lewis Duncan

Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP? Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?

The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better

The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Oriol Puigdemont

The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better

The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form

The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
German Garcia Casanova

The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form

How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team

How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
German Garcia Casanova

How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team

How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years

How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Lewis Duncan

How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years

Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne?

Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne?

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Lewis Duncan

Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne? Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne?

How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023

How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Lewis Duncan

How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023 How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023

How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races

How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races

Plus
Plus
MotoGP
Germán Garcia Casanova

How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races

Subscribe