Why a MotoGP legend needs to ditch social media and enjoy retirement

OPINION: Jorge Lorenzo's status as one of the greatest MotoGP riders of all time is hard to dispute. But his constant social media spats with fellow riders and insistence on listing his achievements to his detractors are running the risk of tarnishing a legacy he worked hard to create

Lewis Duncan Mar 20, 2021, 2:58 PM

If you had earned millions of euros, could go anywhere, do anything you wanted and surround yourself with anyone you wanted, what would you do? If you’re Jorge Lorenzo, apparently you’d spend your time glued to social media, reminding all your haters just how brilliant you are and getting into spats with other MotoGP riders.

The latest ugly episode took place during Qatar pre-season testing, sparked by a picture of Cal Crutchlow picking bits of gravel out of his crash helmet after sliding off his Yamaha at Turn 2. Since the Losail International Circuit came onto the MotoGP calendar in 2004, you’d be hard-pressed to find any rider who hasn’t been caught out by the Turn 2 left-hander. You’ve just blasted along a one-kilometre straight, which you enter by turning right and end doing the same thing. In that time the left-hand side of the front tyre has cooled off considerably.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.