Occupation: MotoGP rider with the Movistar Yamaha Team
Nationality: Spanish
Age: 27
Interview By: Keith Pereña
We met Jorge on a windy Tuesday afternoon in the newly-opened Box Park in Dubai. It was a very modern and artsy strip with shops set inside coloured shipping containers. The Yamaha Café façade was in black, but running in contrast are the reds of the brand logo, carpet and ribbon poised for the opening ceremony; while the interiors are white and wooden, remaining true to the aesthetics of Japanese minimalism. MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo Guerrero joined the Al Yousuf and Yamaha family in welcoming everyone into the first ever Yamaha Café.
At age of 27, he has successfully won the 250cc World Championship and the coveted MotoGP World Championship twice, racking up four trophies. A native of Spain, he began his racing career back in 2002 when he qualified for the 125cc category of the Spanish Grand Prix. We had a quick chat with him after the Yamaha Café ribbon cutting to talk about riding and racing for the pure fun of it.
How’s your visit to Dubai?
I’ve been in Dubai twice or thrice if I could remember correctly. I’ve been to many places and Dubai remains one of the beautiful cities.
We have read that you are taking part in the Grand Prix of Qatar on the 29th, are there any preparations that you are doing?
Well, we are doing some training, riding and lots of exercises. But most of the time we’re out on the track and testing out the bike – looking for areas to be improved, things to be fixed. Majority of the training I do is focused on gaining the best times on the track which is important when the race starts.
Since you’ve been here in the UAE a couple of times, what do you think of it in terms of motorsport? Or, to be exact, how does the Dubai Autodrome fare as a track based on your experience from various tracks such as the Circuit de Catalunya, Silverstone and the Twin Ring Motegi?
The Autodrome is a very sophisticated track – it is very secure, and the facilities are up-to-date and the turns are challenging. I have seen it in the A1 Grand Prix, but have yet to see it as part of MotoGP. But from what I’ve watched, if it’s good for the A1, then it’s good for MotoGP
What’s the most challenging race you had?
It’s difficult to tell. I’ve had more than 200 races in my entire life and each one was challenging to a degree. So it’s pretty hard to say which one is the most challenging of all.
What do you love most about the sport?
The bikes – there is just so much fun to be had in riding bikes; my crew, the Yamaha team and getting to travel the world. I love the exhilarating feeling of riding my bike every time. Also the fun, the fun of racing and training.
What are you expecting for this MotoGP season?
Hopefully, to become the world champion for this season of course. More fun, races, safety, competition, winning and of course, no crashes [laughs].
Lastly, what’s next for you? Are there any other events that you are preparing for?
Well, the 2015 MotoGP season is underway and we’re mostly focused on that. All our time is devoted to training, riding and trying to beat lap times.
