Lorenzo targets Laguna glory

Jorge Lorenzo is looking to add to his list of firsts with victory in the MotoGP World Championship race at Laguna Seca in the USA.

Lorenzo had not ridden the California circuit before last year as the American round of the series does not stage races in the 250cc or 125cc world championships.

But the Spaniard made his debut at Laguna last season and the Fiat Yamaha rider hopes to close the points gap on team-mate and title rival Valentino Rossi on Sunday.

Lorenzo has emerged as the main challenger to Rossi in the last two races following an epic battle at Catalunya and another one-two for the team in Holland, Rossi getting the better of Lorenzo on both occasions.

Ducati Marlboro rider Casey Stoner is still in close contention but has struggled in the last two races with fatigue.

Lorenzo has no such problems but will need to take a win at Laguna if he is to redress the balance of power which has shifted towards his team-mate in recent races.

The Spaniard can do that by adding to first ever wins he took in Portugal last season and Japan earlier this year.

Lorenzo admitted: ‘Last year Laguna wasn't good for me but I don't think about this.

‘It's the only time I've been there but I don't see that as a problem - until 2008 I'd never won in Portugal before and I won my first race there in MotoGP, and then again this year I won in Motegi where I'd never won before, so I don't consider any track “bad” for me - the past doesn't matter.’

Lorenzo plans to continue his racing education with an impressive performance against Rossi and Stoner on Sunday as the battle for the world title intensifies.

He feels his team has him heading in the right direction.

‘We are feeling very strong after the last races and everyone is very motivated to continue in the same way so I am looking forward to the challenge and learning more about the track,’ he said.

‘I will do my best and hopefully that will mean we can run at the front again.’