Jorge Lorenzo believes his M1 has improved but needs more power

The rider Jorge Lorenzo has given an interview to Motosprint (in Italian, so I’ll try to translate it as well as I can) in which he apparently voiced his concerns about the power of his Yamaha M1 ahead of the 2011 season.

The Mallorcan knows what is missing, what they need, and knows they have taken a step forward, but they still haven’t managed to find what they lack for the new MotoGP season, and apparently what is urgently needed is power, top speed and acceleration, one of the problems that gave them headaches in some races last year.

Motosprint (MS): What is needed?

We need more power, more top speed and acceleration, and even better traction. To the same end. We are not yet out of the strong part of the corners.

MS: Hasn’t the new engine improved?

It is very similar to the other one. The progress is more evident in the anti-wheelie system, which is now more effective, and that’s why I’m satisfied.

MS: Should the anti-wheelie guarantee greater effectiveness during acceleration?

Yes, it helps. But we need more horsepower.

MS: And the bike?

I don’t like the new chassis, because there is more chatter. But I’m not especially worried about this. To repeat: the priority at this stage is power.” Have you compared your new teammate? “Yes, we talked a little” on the second day: he also thinks like me, power and strength, in fact in his report to the engineers he has made my own comments.

MS: Should the anti-wheelie guarantee greater effectiveness during acceleration?

Yes, it helps. But we need more horsepower.

MS: And the bike?

I don’t like the new chassis, because there is more chattering. But I’m not especially worried about this. To repeat: the priority at this stage is power.

MS: Have you compared your new teammate?

Yes, we talked a little. The second day, and he also thinks like me, power and strength, in fact in his report to the engineers I made my own comments.

MS: Yes, but you ride a Yamaha. Do you think the bike is ready?

Because I’m not saying we won’t get wins, but to beat last year’s run of races we have to make progress.

At this moment, in my opinion, the bike would not allow me to repeat a triumphant season, just like 2010.

MS: What can be done at a technical level before the first test in Sepang?

I have tried many things, but I haven’t decided anything yet. I still have to select the material to build the 2011 bike. I asked the engineers to analyse the engine data, so they can also give me advice on this specific point. It is a very delicate and difficult choice: it is the work we have kept for the next test.

MS: Does the resurgence of Honda worry you?

Honda is very strong: it had begun to recover in the middle of last year and now has taken another step forward. This should make us worried.

MS: What do you think of Spies’s first test?

Very strong. Honestly, he is faster than I expected.

Here you have the interview translated into Spanish, I’m very sorry if there are mistakes, I’ve done what I could; if you want to see the original you have the link at the end of the post (Source).

We’ll keep an eye on Jorge Lorenzo.

Source | Motosprint