Lorenzo focused on podium stay

The Championship leader’s goal is further consolidation of his advantage in the standings at the Misano, as he bids to maintain his record of having stood on the podium in every race this season.

Misano presents a new challenge for Jorge Lorenzo as the Fiat Yamaha rider takes his 68-point Championship lead to the Gran Premio Aperol di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini and a circuit on which he has twice finished second in the premier class.

The Spaniard comes into the 12th round of the 2010 campaign having placed outside the top two for the first time this season in the previous race at the Indianapolis. Third place can hardly be considered a drop in standards however and the result maintained the 23 year-old’s comfortable lead at the summit of the standings.

In Misano Lorenzo faces a track on which he has a solid personal record. In the three races he has ridden there he has been on the podium each time; a 250cc win in 2007 and second in the premier class in the precious two seasons the results that mark a confidence-inspiring affinity with the San Marinese venue.

This weekend Lorenzo will aim to maintain his 100% podium record in the 2010 as he aims to further protect his advantage, and he said: "We are going straight to Misano and I want to continue in the same way and get on the podium again. I've been second there for the last two years and I am feeling very motivated and looking forward to another good race.”

After a particularly draining weekend in the heat at Indy Lorenzo is hoping for kinder conditions. “I hope the temperature is a bit cooler than in Indy because it was really too hot there,” he said. “Last Sunday was my worst result this year, but I am still happy because it was still third and because it was very important for our goal, which is the Championship."