Jorge Lorenzo returns from a mid-season holiday fresh and ready to renew his title defence, as the reigning World Champion steels himself for the Cardion ab Grand Prix Ceské republiky which takes place this weekend. Lorenzo took a first premier class victory at the track last season having won three times there in the lower classes, and will now aim to close the 20-point gap to current leader Casey Stoner.
On the other side of the Yamaha garage Ben Spies has also taken some time out to relax in the short break since Laguna Seca. The American finished fourth at Brno last year in his MotoGP debut at the circuit, a venue at which he has previously won a superbike race at and where he will this weekend look to build on a recent strong run of form.
Following the Brno race weekend Yamaha Factory Racing will remain at the circuit for a one-day 1000cc test in preparation for the 2012 Championship.
Jorge Lorenzo:
"After the long break we are going to Brno completely recharged and ready to fight and try to reduce the gap to Casey. This is a track I like and where I won last year. I hope we can start the second half of the season on the podium. After the race we will be testing the 1000cc bike for one day. I am really looking forward to discovering the new Yamaha."
Ben Spies:
“It’s been really cool to hang out at home with my friends and family in Texas and take a break from the racing. I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike now, especially at Brno which is a track I really enjoy. It was good to me in superbike and we showed a lot of potential there last year, I nearly had pole position and think I could have challenged for a podium if I hadn’t suffered a frond end grip issue early in the race.”
Wilco Zeelenberg, Team Manager:
“We’ve had a nice short break for both riders and team which after ten rounds was necessary. We feel very positive for the rest of the season after the last three rounds; we are very competitive and Jorge is riding well and the bike is better than the first period. Brno is a very smooth track which Jorge likes a lot so we go there to challenge and try to close the 20 point gap to the lead. With eight races remaining anything is possible.”
Massimo Meregalli, Team Director:
“We are all looking to Brno in good form having had a relaxing break. The team is refreshed and feels very motivated as we have had good results in Brno previously for both Jorge and Ben; the track definitely suits the Yamaha YZR-M1. Our package and performance has continued to get stronger over the season so we are looking to the last eight races determined to deliver on our potential.”
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