Injured Lorenzo could miss both remaining MotoGP tests

Jorge Lorenzo
In such a close-fought championship, pre-season could prove vital

Jorge Lorenzo could miss both remaining tests before the start of the new MotoGP season after seeing a specialist about his injured right hand.

The 22-year-old Fiat Yamaha rider fractured his hand and displaced his thumb in a training crash last week.

He was instantly ruled out of the test in Malaysia at the end of February but may now miss March's Qatar test too.

"There are serious doubts whether Jorge will be fully recovered for the Qatar test," admitted his press manager.

Lorenzo is thought to be making a good recovery from the injury, and will continue to fly round the world doing promotional work for his team.

But if he were to miss both remaining tests before the season starts on Sunday 11 April in Qatar, it would be a huge setback to his chances of winning the 2010 world title.

Last season Lorenzo finished runner-up to team-mate and massive rival Valentino Rossi, and he would have been hoping to put the pressure on the Italian right from the start of this season.

But if he were forced to sit out both remaining sessions, it would be a huge psychological advantage for Rossi.

Despite being team-mates, Rossi and Lorenzo had a divided garage last year, and have confirmed they will continue with that set-up in 2010.

Lorenzo spoke seriously about leaving Fiat Yamaha last season, saying he did not always feel appreciated, before eventually signing a new one-year deal, while Rossi has made it clear he does not feel there is room for both riders in the team.

Article from BBC

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