Jorge Lorenzo says his return to action in Malaysia just eight days after a wrist operation is about getting “used to” his Ducati again ahead of his MotoGP swansong with the marque in Valencia.
Lorenzo has been unable to race since fracturing his left wrist in a heavy highside crash during practice for the Thailand Grand Prix, and underwent an operation on it last week.
The Spaniard, who set an unofficial lap record at Sepang in the pre-season to top the test, admits he will likely be unable to “fight for something big” this weekend, but is looking to readjust to the bike again in order to “get a good result” on his final Ducati outing at he final in Valencia in two weeks.
“Firstly I want to go back to the bike because has been a long time, a lot of weeks, even months that I am not riding,” he said.
“Unfortunately you are losing practice, losing skills, losing everything. It's not only about the proper fractures and proper injuries, but also about the general physical condition, I cannot do cardio.
“So even this time even if I am not able to fight for something big, at least I get used to the bike again, I ride and for sure this will help me to try to get a good result on my final ride with Ducati in Valencia.
“So let's see tomorrow, I don't want to predict any result, any performance, but for sure I'm not perfect but let's see how I feel on the bike.”
Lorenzo will have his first test on the Honda he will ride next year the week following the Valencia race, but insists his priority remains with Ducati until the end of the season and sitting out Sepang to be fully fit for the Valencia test was not a consideration.
“No, the most important thing is to be able to practice in the morning, and then in the afternoon,” Lorenzo said when asked if it was more important to rest up for his first Honda test.
“It’s always the present, it’s always the next target. I’m a present guy. And I’m a Ducati rider and I think in Ducati.
“When I finish the season, I will think in my next team and my next challenge. Just in Ducati I think now, try to be here, try to get some rhythm, to try the bike again.
“If it’s possible to prolong my riding compared to Japan and if it’s possible to be competitive, even better.
“You never know. It can rain and it can be easier for the injury. So, we are here and depending on the feeling, I will see what I can do."
