Reigning MotoGP champion Jorge lorenzo expressed his desire to race in India after driving a few laps around the Buddh International Circuit here on Tuesday.
“I can only hope and wish that one day MotoGP comes to India. It is such a big country with a lot of people. I saw several people riding bikes on the streets. I am sure they would be interested in seeing the best bikers of the world racing in front of them and we would be glad to put up a show,” said the three-time World Champion.
“I am sure the people of India would love to see the World Championship coming here to see us fighting on this circuit. If the owners of the track and MotoGP can make a deal, then we can have a race here.”
In its current state, he said it’s not optimum for MotoGP with a very long final straight but enjoyed the drive despite the heavens opening up just before he was set to take the track.
“I went on the limit, as fast as possible but had to slow down because it had rained so the track was wet. The bike (Yamaha R3) was obviously not as fast (as a MotoGP bike),” said the 28-year-old Spaniard.
“It is an amazing young track. It has very different corners, the back straight is more than one km long so it can really test riders. It is a technical circuit and fun to ride on,” said the 2015 champion who hails from Mallorca in Spain.
Finishing outside the podium places in the first three races and retiring at San Marino, lorenzo clinched the title in the final race in Valencia thereby pipping his teammate Valentino Rossi. Queried if this was the toughest of his three championships, he had no hesitations. “Yes for sure. I won it in the final race and was 7 points behind and had not taken the lead at all throughout the season. I won it eventually in Valencia which was a great comforting feeling.”
This is lorenzo’s second visit to the country, he had been here in 2012 as well. On the day, he drove a few laps of the BIC with 30 lucky R3 owners.