Jorge Lorenzo MotoGP retirement set to be announced today in Valencia

MotoGP ace Jorge Lorenzo is expected to retire from the premier class after an injury-ravaged season

Jorge Lorenzo is expected to announce his retirement from MotoGP this afternoon.

An exceptional press conference has been called for 2pm and Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta will be present.

The Honda ace looks set to announce he’s hanging up his leathers after a challenging season.

Having switched from Ducati to Honda 12 months ago, the Spaniard has failed to find his feet.

He’s suffered a series of career-threatening injuries and has found it difficult to get to grips with the RC213V.

Despite being a three-time MotoGP champion, Lorenzo hasn’t even managed a top-10 finish this season -and will now call time on a hugely decorated racing career.

Given Lorenzo’s initial struggles with Ducati, BT Sport pundit Neil Hodgson told Starsport earlier this year that he was baffled by Lorenzo’s decision to join Honda in the first place.

“When he signed, when it was announced, I couldn’t have been more shocked,” he said.

UPDATE: Jorge Lorenzo announces MotoGP retirement in emotional press conference

“In terms of transfers it’s like Cristiano Ronaldo signing for Burnley.

“I was like: ‘What? Why has he done that?’ it made no sense at all.

“I don’t know why on earth he did it. It’s worse than what everyone expected, even though everyone thought it would be bad.”

Johann Zarco could fill any void left by Lorenzo at Honda.

The Frenchman has turned out for LCR Honda in the last two races with Takaaki Nakagami recovering from surgery.

“The truth is that I don’t hide secrets about my future, since I still don’t know what I’m going to do,” Zarco told GPone.

“Should a door open with Honda, I’d be the right person, since I’m the only rider who’s free.

“As you well know, this is a delicate situation, but I’m living it to the fullest.”