Jorge Lorenzo says fighting for the championship in 2018 “is possible, even if it it's very difficult” after dominating the Catalan Grand Prix to record back-to-back wins
Prior to the European season, Lorenzo had just six points to his credit is 2018, but has since surged to a tally of 66 thanks to successive victories at Mugello and Barcelona, and is equal on points with team-mate Andrea Dovizioso – who crashed out of Sunday's Catalunya race.
Lorenzo admitted prior to the Italian Grand Prix that “it was impossible” to fight for the title, but believes his form now on “the most complete Ducati ever” has improved his hopes.
However, he concedes his 49-point deficit to leader Marc Marquez is “very far”, and is wary of a suffering a tough race next time out at Assen.
“The bad news is that we are very far from him [Marquez],” Lorenzo commented.
“The good news is that we have a lot of races until the end [of the season]. Before Mugello it was impossible, now it's possible even if it's very difficult, but we have our chance.
“But honestly, this championship changes so much, I can also lose a lot of points in difficult races.
“At Assen, for example, it has been a circuit for the past few years where I didn't have a good result, last year was not very good.
“But honestly now our bike is very competitive, I feel great, and probably we have the most complete Ducati ever.
“So that's a good signal. Let's see, the good thing for us is we don't have pressure, we don't have anything to lose. Marc has a little bit more pressure in that aspect.”
Lorenzo “sad” to not finish the job at Ducati
Lorenzo will join Honda next year after announcing the signing of a shock two-year deal following his Mugello victory.
The Spaniard admits his recent form makes him sad that he may not be able to “finish the job” of winning an “amazing” title with Ducati, though remains upbeat regarding his future with HRC.
“What I learn from all these 25 years [in motorcycling], because when I was a kid I didn't learn so much, was that you cannot change the past.
“Obviously some days ago I was sad to leave a great team, a family like Ducati; they always treated me well.
“And to leave such a difficult challenge for me. The idea to fight for a championship with Ducati was amazing, and to not finish the job: it's not impossible this year, but is very difficult.
“It's sad, but the decision is done, the future looks bright, and I will be on a competitive bike together with these guys. So let's see how it goes.”
