Lorenzo: this year will be different MOTOGP

Last year's French Grand Prix marked the end of Jorge Lorenzo's early season podium run, but the Spaniard believes he has an excellent chance of keeping his 2012 streak alive in this weekend's return. Just as last year, the Factory Yamaha star has claimed a win and two runner-up places heading in to the Le Mans round. But the 1000cc M1 is a much more potent package than last year's final 800cc version and Lorenzo is confident he will be better equipped for the stop-go circuit layout. “We arrive in good shape having always been in the first two positions in the three races of the year so far, I want to keep this going in Le Mans,” said Lorenzo. “Last year we struggled, especially in acceleration but I feel that this year is going to be a little different. “It's a good track for my riding style so we will try to fight for the win again but always thinking about the Championship.” Lorenzo is just one point behind reigning world champion Casey Stoner (Honda) who won at Le Mans last year. “After three strong races and a very close Championship so far we are looking forward to going to France,” said Lorenzo's team manager Wilco Zeelenberg. “We had a tough race last year and struggled a lot but the year before was a strong victory. “Jorge likes the track so we are curious to see how the 1000cc bike behaves this time as we have traditionally performed well there. We hope to return to the successful rhythm Yamaha has had at Le Mans.” Prior to last year's fourth place, Lorenzo had taken MotoGP wins at Le Mans in 2009 and 2010.