Repsol Honda MotoGP rider, Jorge Lorenzo has announced he will retire from grand prix motorcycle racing at the end of 2019. The five-time MotoGP world champion broke the news in a special press conference ahead of this weekend’s Valencia Grand Prix.
The Dorna boss, Carmelo Ezpeleta, admitted that Lorenzo will be inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame as MotoGP Legend at the 2020 Spanish GP in Jerez.
“When I heard about Jorge’s decision, we talked about it immediately, and I’m glad to announce that Jorge is named MotoGP Legend at the next Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez. Thanks, Jorge.” Ezpeleta said.
Honda season for Lorenzo has been absolutely horrible. The Spaniard is jut not got comfortable in that bike at all and the Japanese manufacturer doesn’t like they’ve really given him anything to help them out too much.
“Today is a very special day. I remember the first time I saw Jorge in the CEV. That was a special moment. I also know how he waited until he turned 15. And then the whole story that we experienced together,” Ezpeleta said.
“All that can be said is: Thank you, Jorge. Thank you for what you did for the world championship. For trying to show the whole world how important the human aspect is to a rider.
“It’s a tough day, but I know Jorge and I know he’s happy now. He has been incredible in all these years – five world titles are very, very difficult. He was at the forefront of the drivers, who in my opinion are the best in history.” Ezpeleta added.
Obviously Lorenzo won three championships with the Yamaha team and then he won the 250s also in 2006 and 2007 and obviously picked up a couple wins on the Ducati. He managed to prove himself on two different manufacturers but unfortunately for him the Honda just didn’t quite go to plan.
