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MotoGP riders prepare to take on Silverstone

It was also time to welcome back Lorenzo. After a long period of recovery after his crash in which he cracked vertebrae and got sidelined, he is ready to race.

MotoGP riders

Bengaluru, August 23: The new surface, the competitive field and the return from injury of former champion Jorge Lorenzo was the talking point as the riders prepared to take on Silverstone in the pre-event press conference of the British Grand Prix, the round 12 of the FIM MotoGP World Championship.

Before go-time for the GoPro British Grand Prix, a full house of seven riders were present at the pre-event Press conference, with reigning champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) joined by Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT), Jack Miller (Pramac Racing), Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) and Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team).

Marquez-Dovizioso duo

Marquez-Dovizioso duo

FIM MotoGP World Championship leader Marquez and his closest rival Dovizioso started the proceedings.

"Yeah of course, looking forward to the Silverstone GP and this weekend because as you know I've some good luck, and I was unlucky some years. Anyway, we've had great races, it's a circuit I like," said the Repsol Honda rider.

Dovizioso, whose most recent win at Silverstone came in 2017, sounded upbeat.

"I've always had good luck in this country, I've been pretty fast in England most of the time, I don't know why. Donington was a special track and a special first victory but in Silverstone I've always felt good, it's a really difficult track but I enjoy riding here," the Ducati rider enthused.

Rossi has good record

Rossi has good record

Rossi is another of the long list of previous winners at Silverstone. Incidentally, he also took his first premier class win in the UK at Donington as well, and after a tougher run of things in 2019, the 'Doctor' seems to be back on track.

"Silverstone is a fantastic track. It's great track, it's a big track, everything is very fast and technical. Everybody is waiting for the asphalt. And also we wait for the weather because in 2017 it was a fantastic weekend, a great weekend. Last year, unfortunately, it was a lot more difficult. We hope it's similar to 2017!," the Yamaha star said.

Home hero Crutchlow

Home hero Crutchlow

For home hero Crutchlow, the weekend is a fitting landmark as it will be his 150th Grand Prix start on Sunday.

"I only got told at the last race that it would be my 150th Grand Prix start - I didn't think I'd done 150 Grands Prix and I definitely haven't finished 150! I'm looking forward to it, Silverstone is a good race for me, I'll give my all for the 20-lap race."

Lorenzo returns

Lorenzo returns

Finally, it was time to welcome back Lorenzo. After a long period of recovery after his crash in which he cracked vertebrae and got sidelined, he is ready to race.

"I'm not here to fight for the win or podium or top five, but as soon as I go on the bike I want to start getting the pace I need to get good performances again, like I started to show before the crash."

That he did, and it's a good venue for the number 99 to return to. He has got three wins at Silverstone and was on pole last season, and although it is about getting back up to speed, the venue is certainly one the five-time world champion knows his way around.

Lorenzo rejoins the field on track from Friday (Augyst 23) morning, with the race on Sunday at 1pm local time (5.30pm IST)

(By a special arrangemeng with Dorna Sports)

Story first published: Friday, August 23, 2019, 11:21 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 23, 2019