MotoGP Jerez: Lorenzo officially a MotoGP Legend

Jorge Lorenzo officially became a MotoGP Legend on Saturday as he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Jerez Circuit - Angel Nieto.

The five-time world champion became the 33rd inductee with a ceremony at the circuit where the final corner already bears his name, having amassed an impressive tally in the premier class - including 47 MotoGP victory’s across his 152 Grand Prix podium visits.

Having made his 125cc World Championship debut at Jerez in 2002, Lorenzo went on to win two 250cc titles before 2008 saw him arrive to the premier class as partner to Valentino Rossi in the factory Yamaha team. Two years later he was MotoGP Champion with a pattern of intense rivalries shaping his championship challenges with both Rossi, Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez. Two further titles gave way to difficult years at both Ducati and Honda before the Mallorca called time on his impressive career.

“I arrived here 20 years ago at this track to make my debut and I was still 14 on Friday,” Lorenzo recalled. “So, I went to watch at a few corners with a scooter and I saw the likes of Cecchinello, Ueda, Vincent, Pedrosa, Poggiali all riding. For me, they were heroes. And I saw them riding so aggressively and so fast, that I was wondering if someday I could arrive at that level.

“Now, I’m given the honour of becoming a MotoGP Legend from Dorna, from Carmelo, that have always treated me so well, and this means even more than the championships I won. Because all of the MotoGP Legends are great champions, but not all champions can be named as Legends, so I’m very proud to be part of this amazing group, these names. I’m so lucky, so grateful to have the life I have thanks to MotoGP.”

“Jorge has been something special for MotoGP,” CEO of Dorna