Lorenzo steals last race of the season win at Valencia!
November 14, 2016
Jorge Lorenzo says he couldn't have wished for more in his final race weekend as a Yamaha rider after ending his nine-year career with the Japanese manufacturer on a winning note at Valencia in Spain.
Lorenzo repeated his 2015 victory at the Ricardo Tormo circuit as he led all the way from pole position to clinch a fitting win at the final round of the 2016 MotoGP World Championship from the late charging Marc Marquez.
The Mallorcan, who will have his first ride on the factory Ducati at the post-race test on Tuesday, said it was the perfect swansong as he capped his 250th Grand Prix start with a stunning win.
“These last nine years have been very successful and it was a perfect weekend with the 250th GP, pole position, fastest lap and the victory. I'm very proud and very happy,”
Lorenzo said.
“For sure we have to enjoy this now with all my team, these last hours together, and after tonight to take profit of all the hours for remember this year in the best way. I was lucky I could push and ride very well in the first laps so I couldn't give a better present for Yamaha.
“I struggled so much in the last ten laps because the maximum gap was five seconds, then the gap reduced to 4.5 seconds and eventually I saw Marc in second place,” he added. “I knew he was going to try everything and probably also he would have a better rear tyre or he had saved the tyre more on the left.
"I was struggling so much in the middle of the race. I had to be very focused and very precise not to lose the rear, especially in the last corner, and he was coming so quick and recovering eight tenths, nine tenths, so I was lucky that he had so many problems at the beginning.”
Lorenzo hailed his title-winning season last year as his best as a Yamaha rider and said he will strive to achieve even greater heights at Ducati.
“Probably 2015 was the season when I reached my top level as a rider but I hope and I will work to reach an even better level in the future.
Asked to rate his season on a scale of one to ten, Lorenzo awarded himself a five, explaining: “Last race, 10, because I couldn't finish in a better way, the season, a five: too many mistakes and a lot of struggles in cold conditions and wet conditions.”
Lorenzo finished third in the final championship standings behind world champion Marquez and team-mate Valentino Rossi.
What a way for Lorenzo to finish his 2016 season! Celebrate his last podium with Yamaha with his 2016 range available here.
We look forward to seeing what Lorenzo can bring on the Ducati team in 2017 next season! If you can't wait to support him on the new bike make sure you check out the Ducati Team Wear merchandise which is available here.
His full range is also available which is shown below! Shop now to celebrate
