Lorenzo ecstatic

ByAutoSport

Updated 31/01/2012 at 14:47 GMT

Jorge Lorenzo was delighted to commence his 2012 MotoGP campaign with the fastest time on the opening day of pre-season testing at Sepang, particularly as it marked the first time he had been on track since suffering a severe hand injury.

Jorge Lorenzo

Image credit: Imago

The Yamaha number one was quickest by 0.3 seconds over Honda's Dani Pedrosa in Malaysia today, while Pedrosa's reigning champion team-mate Casey Stoner was sidelined with back pain after injuring himself as he warmed up to go out.

Lorenzo needed reconstructive surgery on a finger after his crash in Australia, and had sat out the last three grands prix of 2011 plus post-season testing, so to be quickest on his comeback today was particularly satisfying.

"I'm very happy with today. For the first ride on the bike in some time, it's been very positive," he said.

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"Yamaha has worked very hard over the winter for this M1. I can see very easily where I have to adapt my riding style for the bike and I can see a lot of potential.

"We have many areas where we can improve so I'm looking forward to beginning again tomorrow."

The Spaniard said there had been no ill effects from his injury either.

"I'm also very happy that my finger is fine and doesn't affect my riding at all," said Lorenzo.

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