Jorge Lorenzo

Spanish by birth, Jorge Lorenzo has come into the world of MotoGP after two extremely successful seasons at the 250cc category.

Lorenzo had turned fifteenth on the second day of qualifying, for the 125cc Spanish Grand Prix in 2002 - his debut race. He missed the first 'Friday Practice' as he was not allowed to ride a motorbike at 14 years of age. Things changed when he turned 15 at midnight and he turned up for qualifying. He started his career on a Derbi RS125 and finished with 21 points in the season. He moved up the ladder in 2003 as he gained more experience and took 12th place in the championships. He won his maiden 125cc race in the season and took 2 podium finishes as well.

The team got a new bike, after major developmental changes, in 2004 and on the back of the Derbi RSA125, Lorenzo showed off his ability. He won 3 races and stood on the podium 7 times to record a fourth place finish in the year-end riders' standings.

This prompted a move to the 250cc class, which he has since made his own. He started off on a Honda and notched up 6 podium finishes in his very first season. His fifth place finish overall was just a sign of things to come as the Spaniard took the next two seasons by storm.

He moved to Aprilla and on the RSW 250, Jorge racked up 8 wins and 11 podium finishes on his way to the first of his two 250cc championships. He was the man to beat in 2006 and as his riding style has shown, it is not the easiest thing to do.

In 2007, he moved further away from the pack as he rode to 9 wins and 12 podium finishes. His win at Misano made him the most successful Spaniard in the 250cc GP Class, above the likes of Dani Pedrosa and Sito Pons.

There were hints of links with the Yamaha MotoGP team for 2008 and in July 2007, he was confirmed to become Rossi's partner for the new season. The Spaniard is the ideal support foil for the Italian as both have the hunger to win the championships. After Casey Stoner's 2007 championship triumph, this move by the Fiat Yamaha team is a clear indication of the two pronged attack that they will be throwing at the defending champion. Lorenzo has the trademark of carrying a lollipop onto the podium every time, as a tribute to one of his sponsors and it is extremely likely that the lollipop will be on view again, in the hands of this prolific rider.