Valencia MotoGP: Pressure-free Jorge Lorenzo wants home victory
Jorge Lorenzo is determined to return to the top step of the MotoGP podium in the Valencia finale now the title pressure is off him
The Spaniard sealed his second premier class championship last time out at Phillip Island, finishing second behind a dominant Casey Stoner.
That continued his record of finishing inside the top two in every race bar Assen, when he was wiped out at the first corner, but he has not win a grand prix since Misano in September.
Lorenzo says he aims to enjoy competing without having to worry about the championship, with victory his primary goal after months of watching the points.
"This is the last round of the season, [and] it's a great feeling to be coming home to my Spanish fans as the world champion," he explained.
"It's been a long, tough year and we have all worked so hard to get here.
"Now this weekend will be one to enjoy for all of us with less pressure.
"I will of course still be pushing for the top step of the podium - it would be amazing to end the year with a victory."
Yamaha team director Massimo Meregalli hailed Lorenzo's achievement, but said the team's joy was tempered by the fact Ben Spies will miss what was due to be his final race with Yamaha.
The American, who has agreed a switch onto Ducati machinery for 2013, will miss Valencia due to the injuries that also ruled him out of Phillip Island.
As AUTOSPORT reported last weekend, he will be replaced by test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga.
"It's with mixed emotions that we come to the last race of the year," Meregalli admitted.
"We are obviously overjoyed to be world champions, a very deserved title after all the hard work Jorge and the team have put in to get there.
"On the other hand it is a great shame we won't have Ben with us for what would have been his final appearance for Yamaha.
"We wish him well with his recovery in the US and we welcome Nakasuga-san back into the team for this round."
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About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Drivers | Jorge Lorenzo |
| Teams | AB Motoracing |
| Author | Sam Tremayne |
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