Jorge Lorenzo has outlined that “everything is in place” for him and Ducati to compete for the MotoGP title this season, despite his sub-par 2017 display.
Lorenzo, following nine years with Yamaha, which yielded three premier class titles, switched to Ducati for 2017, ostensibly as team leader, alongside Andrea Dovizioso.
However, it was Dovizioso who emerged on top, claiming six victories, in the process taking the title fight down to the Valencian finale, where he was beaten by Marc Marquez.
Lorenzo, meanwhile, finished only seventh in the standings with a trio of podiums – his first win-less campaign in the top flight – but reckons lessons learned through last season will prove beneficial in 2018.
“2017 was quite a difficult year for me, because I didn’t even win one race and at the start of the championship I wasn’t able to fight for the podium,” Lorenzo explained.
“But I was patient and never gave up, and in the last few races we finally scored some quite good results.
“The work of the team was very important and Ducati helped me a lot to adapt the bike to my riding style, and so I think that in 2018 we’ll be starting with a much more competitive base.
“Andrea and the Desmosedici GP demonstrated that we have everything in place to try and win the world championship.
“I think that I have the strength and the experience necessary to fight together with him to achieve this aim.
“I believe a lot in our chances and I’m convinced that we are stronger than one year ago.
“I’d like to repay the passion and the support we receive from Ducatisti all over the world with lots of wins and, if possible, with the world title.”
