Lorenzo ready to ride in Sepang

Date published : 19 Jan 2012 - 12:16:28

After he missed the final three races of the 2011 season due to injury, Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo is fit to ride in the forthcoming Sepang MotoGP test in Malaysia, organisers said Thursday.

The event marks an emotional return for MotoGP riders as this will be first time they return to the circuit after the tragic death of Honda rider Marco Simoncelli during the Malaysian MotoGP last October.

"Good news for fans as 2010 champion Jorge Lorenzo will be back in action on Yamaha's new factory YZR-M1 MotoGP bike at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia on January 31," Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali, chief executive officer of Sepang International Circuit, said in a statement.

Lorenzo's 2011 season ended prematurely when he crashed during the warm-up session for the Australian Grand Prix.

The first MotoGP official testing at Sepang will take place from January 31 to February 2 followed by the second testing session from February 28 to March 1.

Circuit organisers said Valentino Rossi, who will adorn Ducati gear for the second consecutive season, defending champion Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa will also be testing in Malaysia.

MotoGP 2012 season will start from April 8 at Qatar. Malaysia will host the event in October.