Lorenzo 'feels better' heading to Japan

Jorge Lorenzo is hoping recent foot and arm injuries will not hinder his chances in this weekend’s Japanese MotoGP.

The Ducati rider suffered a dislocated big right toe and compound fracture of his second metatarsal in a turn-one accident at Aragon, then was launched into a huge highside after a technical problem during practice in Thailand.

The moment the #ThaiGP ended for @lorenzo99 

We’re looking forward to seeing you back on track in Motegi, Jorge  pic.twitter.com/EoFAr5RI1n

— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) October 6, 2018

The additional injuries, most notably a hairline fracture to his left wrist, prompted Lorenzo to sit out the remainder of the Buriram weekend and he won’t know his true level of fitness until taking to the Motegi track on Friday.

“Several days have gone by since I left Buriram without being able to race and, even though now I feel better after training and resting in Thailand, only in Friday’s free practice will I be able to get an idea of how I feel on the bike,” said Lorenzo, who finished sixth at last year’s wet Motegi event.

“I absolutely want to race in Japan because Motegi is one of those circuits where I think I can do really well, and so I hope that the after-effects of the injuries to my foot and my wrist won’t give me any trouble.

“Furthermore, the weather conditions this weekend are sure to be an important factor, because in the last few years it’s almost always rained in Japan during the race weekend.”

Non-scores at the last three rounds mean Lorenzo – a winner of three races this season – has slipped to fifth in the world championship, 16 points behind Yamaha Maverick Vinales.

Motegi is owned by Honda, the factory Lorenzo will join in 2019.