The Fiat Yamaha riders are closely matched after just two rounds of the 2010 campaign as they head to Le Mans, both with high hopes of continuing their strong starts to the season.
A win and a podium finish each for Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi sees the Fiat Yamaha pair arrive at Le Mans in positions one and two in the MotoGP World Championship standings. Whilst the Monster Energy Grand Prix de France may only be the third round in a long season, both know the importance of securing momentum early in the season as they each seek to establish a solid points base to build on.
For Lorenzo last season's race at the French circuit ended with victory as he maintained his composure to win in some trying weather conditions. "Last year I won in Le Mans in an amazing and crazy race," he said. "I hope the fans aren't waiting for a repeat this weekend! Of course the weather is always a risk in Le Mans, but I hope for sun. I've been on the podium twice there, last season and when I won my second 250cc title, so I am looking forward to trying again. I've had almost three weeks since Jerez and I know that I am ready for this second European race."
Victory in round two at Jerez has not made Lorenzo complacent by any means, especially as his lead at the top of the standings over Rossi is just four points. He added: "Despite our victory in Jerez and taking the lead in the world standings I continue to think that I am not the favourite because the season is very long and it has only just started! I am very proud however because Jerez was my first victory at home in MotoGP."
Rossi's race at the French track last season was not one the reigning World Champion will want to recall after he came in 16th, but his previous form at Le Mans has seen him take three premier class wins alongside a number of podium finishes across all classes.
The Italian rider also feels much more confident in his shoulder now after another extended period of recuperation between races. "My shoulder is more or less recovered now so I hope I will be back to full strength in Le Mans," he said. "Despite the disaster of last year's race, Le Mans is a good track for me and the Yamaha always goes well there. The biggest problem is the weather, but after last year I think we deserve a sunny French GP!"
"We've made a good start to the season, with the win in Qatar and then another podium, but we have also struggled with the bike in some areas and so we need to try to improve our performance. We had a good test after Jerez so I hope that we will be able to use that information to start strongly here," he concluded.