Lorenzo Focused on Sealing Championship at Sepang

Lorenzo has a solid track record at Sepang, clinching his second 250cc title here in 2007 and storming to a fourth place finish last year after starting from the back of the grid.

"This could be a very special weekend for me, the team and my family," said Lorenzo. "I'm very excited, but I know I also need to concentrate and work hard. I just want to start the race with confidence and speed, not think too much about the points or the championship and enjoy what could be the most important race of my career."

While Lorenzo was keen to focus on the championship during today's pre-event press conference, the assembled journalists were more interested in talking about his wheel-to-wheel battle with Valentino Rossi for the final podium position at Motegi just four days ago. Lorenzo, however, refused to be drawn on the battle, or the war of words that followed.

When questioned about the events at Motegi Lorenzo responded, "We're here for a big thing this weekend, it doesn't matter what happened in the past only that it doesn't happen again now or in the future."

While Lorenzo has been both vocal and critical about Rossi's riding in Motegi, the reigning World Champion is adamant that it was simply a good battle between two rivals at the top of their game.

"The battle with Jorge at Motegi was great and very funny," declared Rossi. "I love always the battle and it looked good on television and even better from the bike. It was very aggressive and nothing more."

Rossi lifted the World Championship here last year with a podium finish and, of all the current MotoGP riders, has the most impressive record at the Sepang circuit. However, the reigning World Champion is making no promises for this weekend's race in Malaysia, where the shoulder he injured in a motocross crash earlier in the season could still cause problems.

"This is one of my favourite tracks. Every time I ride this track I love it and it's very exciting. I have great memories of races and championships here. I'm curious to see how much pain I will have with the shoulder here at Sepang, as it's a difficult track."

When asked about the rumours that he'll end his season early to undergo surgery on his damaged shoulder, Rossi answered, "It's 99 percent certain that I will go to Australia and, if I don't have any more pain from the shoulder, I will finish the season."