MotoGP ace Jorge Lorenzo blames weather for miserable display at Phillip Island
MotoGP ace Jorge Lorenzo is facing an uncertain future at Honda after some dismal results this season
MotoGP hero Jorge Lorenzo says the blustery condition at Phillip Island caused him huge issues over the weekend.
The Spaniard is a having a dismal season and things didn’t get any better down under.
Lorenzo finished a lowly 16th and was over 60 seconds behind race winner and team-mate Marc Marquez.
He’s still yet to finish a race in the top 10 this season as speculation continues to build about his future in the premier class.
Lorenzo explained that lingering problems following his vertebrae break in Assen were exacerbated by the wind.
When asked if the conditions made his life difficult, Lorenzo replied: “Yes, because of the wind, you have to have your head more inside the fairing, more forward, closer to the front wheel, to try to make sure the wind doesn't make the front wheel more unstable.
READ MORE: MotoGP hero Cal Crutchlow gives brilliant interview after Phillip Island clash“I had to force my neck and the part where I am injured.
“And you have to grip the bike with more force in acceleration because of the wind.
“So I suffered a lot. But apart from the physical suffering, I never had a good feeling, or a safe feeling all weekend and especially in the race.”
Johann Zarco, who turned out for satellite team LCR Honda this weekend as a replacement for Takaaki Nakagami, managed to finish ahead of Lorenzo in 13th spot.
Zarco could be drafted in by the factory Honda team if Lorenzo opts to hang up his leathers.
The Frenchman parted company with KTM earlier this season but is still highly regarded by the MotoGP elite.
Paddock insider Michael Laverty has told Starsport that Lorenzo is desperate to leave Honda.
“It’s quite a common theory in the paddock that both parties want to separate, but neither will make the first move,” he said.
“Lorenzo wants Honda to release him. But it boils down to money. He would need be paid out of his contract.
“Honda want him to quit so they don’t have to pay out. That’s the rumour in the paddock and what most people are saying. It’s a stalemate between both parties.”