Jorge Lorenzo- MotoGP Racing

Jorge Lorenzo

Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo began his motorcycle racing career at the age of 3, breaking loose in the minicross. He continued these competitions as well as minimoto and motocross junior events for the next ten years. At the age of 13, he attained special permission to enter the Spanish Championship piloting a 50cc Copa Aprilia, and won it. Lorenzo then went on to set the record as the youngest rider ever to enter a World Championship race at 14 - he turned 15 on the second day of practice for the 2002 Spanish race in Jerez. His stint in the 125's lasted from 2002 - 2004 as he collected 9 podiums and a total of 4 wins aboard his Derbi. He finished 4th overall in his final and best season before graduating to the Quarter Liters in 2005.

Jorge's maiden 250 season was spent with Fortuna Honda, whom he secured six podiums for, but no wins. He finished 5th that season before making the move to Aprilia for 2006 and 2007. 2006 turned out to be a banner year for Lorenzo, scoring eight brilliant wins and the Championship title - he went on to repeat that in 2007 adding one more win to his resume and another Championship title. All nine of his wins that year came from pole.

In 2008 Lorenzo made the obvious move to MotoGP joining Fiat Yamaha and Valentino Rossi for what started out as a spectacular season. In his first ever premier race, he took pole - a feat last performed by Max Biaggi ten years earlier - and finished second after a flawless ride. He followed up by starting from pole in his next two races, and turning both of those starts into podium finishes as well. The third race of the year, Estoril, came to be his first ever MotoGP victory... and was won pole to flag.

Unfortunately the remaining 2008 season was marred by crashes and injuries for the rookie. It wasn't until the end of the season that he regained his confidence and picked up his pace, proving to be a formidable opponent for the 2009 season where he finished runner-up to legendary racer and teammate Valentino Rossi.

Jorge secured the World Championship title in 2010 and will ride for Yamaha Factory Racing through 2012. For the 2011 season, Jorge is joining forces with the uber talented, 2010 Rookie of the Year, Ben Spies.