{"id":1881762,"date":"2026-04-14T10:23:25","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T07:23:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1881762"},"modified":"2026-04-14T10:23:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T07:23:25","slug":"jorge-lorenzo-my-ducati-motogp-breakthrough-was-one-week-too-late","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1881762","title":{"rendered":"Jorge Lorenzo: My Ducati MotoGP breakthrough was \u201cone week too late\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737083_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Jorge Lorenzo: My Ducati MotoGP breakthrough was \u201cone week too late\u201d<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Jorge Lorenzo reflects on how his Ducati MotoGP career might have been different: &#8220;I could have stayed two or three more years.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Peter McLaren <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-14T13:55:39+00:00\">Updated: 14 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737083_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737083_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737083_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737083_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737083_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737083_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737083_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737083_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737083_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Lorenzo leads Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi, 2018 Italian MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Six years after retiring from MotoGP, Jorge Lorenzo prefers to focus on what he has.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m lucky. You have to be lucky just to be born! It\u2019s like a miracle,&#8221; he smiled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd I was born into a good family, always had food to eat, and was able to achieve my dreams.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you focus on what you don&#8217;t have, you are unhappy.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Lorenzo takes his 44th MotoGP win in his final Yamaha race, Valencia 2016.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Jorge Lorenzo certainly has a lot to be happy about from his professional career.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Spaniard won 68 grands prix and five world titles &#8211; three in the premier class &#8211; during almost twenty years in the 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP World Championships.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-0fdf2670baf60ca3bd6ee3f8f6487c20241b2a9093e63f0e80d705787e0feaf8\">  Pecco Bagnaia\u2019s Ducati tyre theory after \u201cvery strange consumption\u201d   Ducati&#8217;s 850cc MotoGP prototype spotted at Misano <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But no career is perfect, and part of Lorenzo&#8217;s success was his ability to identify and then work relentlessly on his weak points.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s better if you can learn from the mistakes of others, but sometimes you need to make the mistakes to learn,&#8221; said Lorenzo, now involved in coaching and sports management.<\/p>\n<p>One of the great &#8216;what ifs&#8217; from Lorenzo&#8217;s career surrounds the timing of his debut Ducati victory.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-349de1cb4dc0ca68869732b16a7f1570d416b8cbfffd44c90fc5aa68b46c136e\">  MotoGP 2027 trade board: How the grid is shaping up, and who could miss out   Marc Marquez vs Pedro Acosta at Ducati? \u201cThe best riders don\u2019t care\u2026\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>After nine years, 44 victories and three MotoGP titles at Yamaha, Lorenzo became Ducati&#8217;s biggest signing since Valentino Rossi when he joined the Italian manufacturer for 2017.<\/p>\n<p>The timing looked perfect. Ducati was fresh from its first wins of the Gigi Dall&#8217;Igna era &#8211; with whom Lorenzo had worked at Aprilia &#8211; courtesy of Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone the previous season.<\/p>\n<p>But the Desmosedici was still no match for the Japanese machines across a full championship. Honda or Yamaha had been world champions every year since 2007, with Maverick Vinales&#8217; Suzuki also ahead of Dovizioso in the 2016 riders&#8217; standings.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Lorenzo braking, 2018 Italian MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>&#8220;I was too slow to change my riding style&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p>Lorenzo had been hired to refine the Desmosedici into a title contender, aided by his knowledge of the Yamaha. But where should the line be drawn between making the Ducati more like an M1, or playing to its unique strengths?<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Adapting riding style to a bike, or modifying a bike to suit the rider, is an ongoing conundrum.<\/p>\n<p>Visible early progress was made in terms of stability &#8211; the Desmosedici had previously been something of a handful &#8211; but it didn&#8217;t translate into results, at least not for Lorenzo.<\/p>\n<p>The Spaniard was left to settle for occasional podiums while team-mate Dovizioso took the fight to Marc Marquez for the 2017 title.<\/p>\n<p>2018 began even worse, with Lorenzo unable to claim a top-ten finish until round five. Then everything clicked spectacularly into place with a lights-to-flag victory at Mugello, by six seconds over Dovizioso.<\/p>\n<p>Upon reflection, Lorenzo feels he should have adapted his riding style sooner.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cEspecially, I was probably too slow to change my riding style in Ducati,&#8221; he explained, speaking at this year&#8217;s Buriram test.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause I was trying to ride the Ducati like the Yamaha, and I took too long to understand that with the Ducati I needed to change completely my riding style.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI needed to brake later, and to go to the apex of the corner very quick, don&#8217;t lean, and keep the bike straight.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith the Yamaha, it was completely the opposite, always sacrificing the braking to have corner speed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut with that style, the Ducati didn&#8217;t work, and I took too long to understand.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Lorenzo and Ducati celebrate, 2018 Italian MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>&#8220;I could have stayed in Ducati for two or three more years&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p>Mugello was followed by another dominant victory, this time over Marquez at Catalunya, then a third Ducati win in Austria. A title challenge was still a possibility until he was injured at Aragon.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, the magnitude of the transformation was such a surprise that when Lorenzo celebrated in parc ferme at Mugello, he had already signed to join Repsol Honda the following season.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe I won the race in Mugello 2018 one week too late,\u201d Lorenzo confirmed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo if I understood [earlier] that I needed to change my riding, I could have stayed in Ducati for two or three more years.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Instead, Lorenzo endured a nightmare season of injuries at Repsol Honda and retired from MotoGP at the end of the 2019 campaign.<\/p>\n<p>With Marquez then suffering his arm injuries at the Covid-delayed opening round of 2020, leaving Honda without a clear leader, Lorenzo\u2019s retirement decision became another of MotoGP\u2019s great \u2018what ifs\u2019.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Lorenzo, Gigi Dall\u2019Igna, 2018 Italian MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Jorge Lorenzo<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Ducati<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Ducati Lenovo Team<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">2018<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Why Aprilia should target Ducati\u2019s overlooked Superbike superstar for MotoGP 2027<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304617_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304617_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304617_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304617_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304617_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304617_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304617_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304617_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304617_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> MotoGP tyre pressure rule \u201cabsurd\u201d must be \u201cchanged or abolished\u201d<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302896_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302896_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302896_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302896_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302896_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302896_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302896_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302896_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302896_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-7faea9b2da1729c55c9b4249073f1a6c41612940bcbe3d6301325b16bbf00117\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Peter McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">MotoGP Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez\u2019s injury issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-d251c2dd02f6449b64cf47816ce921e55be672e451a0afdfb697522308cd95d8\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cNot impossible\u201d for Nicolo Bulega to make MotoGP move without Ducati<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775912400\"> 11\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1290523_hires-1.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Nicolo Bulega, 2026 WorldSBK Phillip Island Test, pit box. Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Acosta could \u201crejuvenate\u201d Marc Marquez like Rossi vs Lorenzo<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775811618\"> 10\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1295245_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Pedro Acosta, Marc Marquez, 2026 Thai MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ducati takes inspiration from rivals in rear aero battle<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775746086\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ducati.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"New Ducati rear aero and leg wings, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marc Marquez seeks missing \u201cstep\u201d during Aragon training<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775728686\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303485_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Is this rider set to be the biggest loser in MotoGP\u2019s wild 2027 market?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775662500\"> 08\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1280801_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Nicolo Bulega, Ducati Corse, 2025 Portuguese MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marc Marquez: \u201cMoney or the best bike? That&#8217;s how I was taught\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775660450\"> 08\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1300336_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Jorge Lorenzo reflects on how his Ducati MotoGP career might have been different: &#8220;I could have stayed two or three more years.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Six years after retiring from MotoGP, Jorge Lorenzo prefers to focus on what he has.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m lucky. You have to be lucky just to be born! It\u2019s like a miracle,&#8221; he smiled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd I was born into a good family, always had food to eat, and was able to achieve my dreams.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you focus on what you don&#8217;t have, you are unhappy.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Lorenzo takes his 44th MotoGP win in his final Yamaha race, Valencia 2016.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Jorge Lorenzo certainly has a lot to be happy about from his professional career.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Spaniard won 68 grands prix and five world titles &#8211; three in the premier class &#8211; during almost twenty years in the 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP World Championships.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-0fdf2670baf60ca3bd6ee3f8f6487c20241b2a9093e63f0e80d705787e0feaf8\">  Pecco Bagnaia\u2019s Ducati tyre theory after \u201cvery strange consumption\u201d   Ducati&#8217;s 850cc MotoGP prototype spotted at Misano <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But no career is perfect, and part of Lorenzo&#8217;s success was his ability to identify and then work relentlessly on his weak points.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s better if you can learn from the mistakes of others, but sometimes you need to make the mistakes to learn,&#8221; said Lorenzo, now involved in coaching and sports management.<\/p>\n<p>One of the great &#8216;what ifs&#8217; from Lorenzo&#8217;s career surrounds the timing of his debut Ducati victory.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-349de1cb4dc0ca68869732b16a7f1570d416b8cbfffd44c90fc5aa68b46c136e\">  MotoGP 2027 trade board: How the grid is shaping up, and who could miss out   Marc Marquez vs Pedro Acosta at Ducati? \u201cThe best riders don\u2019t care\u2026\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>After nine years, 44 victories and three MotoGP titles at Yamaha, Lorenzo became Ducati&#8217;s biggest signing since Valentino Rossi when he joined the Italian manufacturer for 2017.<\/p>\n<p>The timing looked perfect. Ducati was fresh from its first wins of the Gigi Dall&#8217;Igna era &#8211; with whom Lorenzo had worked at Aprilia &#8211; courtesy of Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone the previous season.<\/p>\n<p>But the Desmosedici was still no match for the Japanese machines across a full championship. Honda or Yamaha had been world champions every year since 2007, with Maverick Vinales&#8217; Suzuki also ahead of Dovizioso in the 2016 riders&#8217; standings.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Lorenzo braking, 2018 Italian MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>&#8220;I was too slow to change my riding style&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p>Lorenzo had been hired to refine the Desmosedici into a title contender, aided by his knowledge of the Yamaha. But where should the line be drawn between making the Ducati more like an M1, or playing to its unique strengths?<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Adapting riding style to a bike, or modifying a bike to suit the rider, is an ongoing conundrum.<\/p>\n<p>Visible early progress was made in terms of stability &#8211; the Desmosedici had previously been something of a handful &#8211; but it didn&#8217;t translate into results, at least not for Lorenzo.<\/p>\n<p>The Spaniard was left to settle for occasional podiums while team-mate Dovizioso took the fight to Marc Marquez for the 2017 title.<\/p>\n<p>2018 began even worse, with Lorenzo unable to claim a top-ten finish until round five. Then everything clicked spectacularly into place with a lights-to-flag victory at Mugello, by six seconds over Dovizioso.<\/p>\n<p>Upon reflection, Lorenzo feels he should have adapted his riding style sooner.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cEspecially, I was probably too slow to change my riding style in Ducati,&#8221; he explained, speaking at this year&#8217;s Buriram test.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause I was trying to ride the Ducati like the Yamaha, and I took too long to understand that with the Ducati I needed to change completely my riding style.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI needed to brake later, and to go to the apex of the corner very quick, don&#8217;t lean, and keep the bike straight.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith the Yamaha, it was completely the opposite, always sacrificing the braking to have corner speed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut with that style, the Ducati didn&#8217;t work, and I took too long to understand.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Lorenzo and Ducati celebrate, 2018 Italian MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>&#8220;I could have stayed in Ducati for two or three more years&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p>Mugello was followed by another dominant victory, this time over Marquez at Catalunya, then a third Ducati win in Austria. A title challenge was still a possibility until he was injured at Aragon.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, the magnitude of the transformation was such a surprise that when Lorenzo celebrated in parc ferme at Mugello, he had already signed to join Repsol Honda the following season.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe I won the race in Mugello 2018 one week too late,\u201d Lorenzo confirmed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo if I understood [earlier] that I needed to change my riding, I could have stayed in Ducati for two or three more years.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Instead, Lorenzo endured a nightmare season of injuries at Repsol Honda and retired from MotoGP at the end of the 2019 campaign.<\/p>\n<p>With Marquez then suffering his arm injuries at the Covid-delayed opening round of 2020, leaving Honda without a clear leader, Lorenzo\u2019s retirement decision became another of MotoGP\u2019s great \u2018what ifs\u2019.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Lorenzo, Gigi Dall\u2019Igna, 2018 Italian MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Six years after retiring from MotoGP, Jorge Lorenzo prefers to focus on what he has.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m lucky. You have to be lucky just to be born! It\u2019s like a miracle,&#8221; he smiled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd I was born into a good family, always had food to eat, and was able to achieve my dreams.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you focus on what you don&#8217;t have, you are unhappy.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_645444_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Lorenzo takes his 44th MotoGP win in his final Yamaha race, Valencia 2016.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Jorge Lorenzo certainly has a lot to be happy about from his professional career.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Spaniard won 68 grands prix and five world titles &#8211; three in the premier class &#8211; during almost twenty years in the 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP World Championships.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-0fdf2670baf60ca3bd6ee3f8f6487c20241b2a9093e63f0e80d705787e0feaf8\">  Pecco Bagnaia\u2019s Ducati tyre theory after \u201cvery strange consumption\u201d   Ducati&#8217;s 850cc MotoGP prototype spotted at Misano <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But no career is perfect, and part of Lorenzo&#8217;s success was his ability to identify and then work relentlessly on his weak points.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s better if you can learn from the mistakes of others, but sometimes you need to make the mistakes to learn,&#8221; said Lorenzo, now involved in coaching and sports management.<\/p>\n<p>One of the great &#8216;what ifs&#8217; from Lorenzo&#8217;s career surrounds the timing of his debut Ducati victory.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-349de1cb4dc0ca68869732b16a7f1570d416b8cbfffd44c90fc5aa68b46c136e\">  MotoGP 2027 trade board: How the grid is shaping up, and who could miss out   Marc Marquez vs Pedro Acosta at Ducati? \u201cThe best riders don\u2019t care\u2026\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>After nine years, 44 victories and three MotoGP titles at Yamaha, Lorenzo became Ducati&#8217;s biggest signing since Valentino Rossi when he joined the Italian manufacturer for 2017.<\/p>\n<p>The timing looked perfect. Ducati was fresh from its first wins of the Gigi Dall&#8217;Igna era &#8211; with whom Lorenzo had worked at Aprilia &#8211; courtesy of Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone the previous season.<\/p>\n<p>But the Desmosedici was still no match for the Japanese machines across a full championship. Honda or Yamaha had been world champions every year since 2007, with Maverick Vinales&#8217; Suzuki also ahead of Dovizioso in the 2016 riders&#8217; standings.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/lorenzo-braking.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Lorenzo braking, 2018 Italian MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>&#8220;I was too slow to change my riding style&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p>Lorenzo had been hired to refine the Desmosedici into a title contender, aided by his knowledge of the Yamaha. But where should the line be drawn between making the Ducati more like an M1, or playing to its unique strengths?<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Adapting riding style to a bike, or modifying a bike to suit the rider, is an ongoing conundrum.<\/p>\n<p>Visible early progress was made in terms of stability &#8211; the Desmosedici had previously been something of a handful &#8211; but it didn&#8217;t translate into results, at least not for Lorenzo.<\/p>\n<p>The Spaniard was left to settle for occasional podiums while team-mate Dovizioso took the fight to Marc Marquez for the 2017 title.<\/p>\n<p>2018 began even worse, with Lorenzo unable to claim a top-ten finish until round five. Then everything clicked spectacularly into place with a lights-to-flag victory at Mugello, by six seconds over Dovizioso.<\/p>\n<p>Upon reflection, Lorenzo feels he should have adapted his riding style sooner.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cEspecially, I was probably too slow to change my riding style in Ducati,&#8221; he explained, speaking at this year&#8217;s Buriram test.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause I was trying to ride the Ducati like the Yamaha, and I took too long to understand that with the Ducati I needed to change completely my riding style.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI needed to brake later, and to go to the apex of the corner very quick, don&#8217;t lean, and keep the bike straight.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith the Yamaha, it was completely the opposite, always sacrificing the braking to have corner speed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut with that style, the Ducati didn&#8217;t work, and I took too long to understand.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737093_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Lorenzo and Ducati celebrate, 2018 Italian MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>&#8220;I could have stayed in Ducati for two or three more years&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p>Mugello was followed by another dominant victory, this time over Marquez at Catalunya, then a third Ducati win in Austria. A title challenge was still a possibility until he was injured at Aragon.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, the magnitude of the transformation was such a surprise that when Lorenzo celebrated in parc ferme at Mugello, he had already signed to join Repsol Honda the following season.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe I won the race in Mugello 2018 one week too late,\u201d Lorenzo confirmed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo if I understood [earlier] that I needed to change my riding, I could have stayed in Ducati for two or three more years.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Instead, Lorenzo endured a nightmare season of injuries at Repsol Honda and retired from MotoGP at the end of the 2019 campaign.<\/p>\n<p>With Marquez then suffering his arm injuries at the Covid-delayed opening round of 2020, leaving Honda without a clear leader, Lorenzo\u2019s retirement decision became another of MotoGP\u2019s great \u2018what ifs\u2019.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737095_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Lorenzo, Gigi Dall\u2019Igna, 2018 Italian MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/feature\/1092992\/1\/jorge-lorenzo-my-ducati-motogp-breakthrough-was-one-week-too-late&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_737083_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Jorge Lorenzo: My Ducati MotoGP breakthrough was \u201cone week too late\u201d Jorge Lorenzo reflects on how his Ducati MotoGP career might have been different: &#8220;I could have stayed two or three more years.\u201d Peter McLaren Updated: 14 Apr 2026 Share Jorge Lorenzo leads Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi, 2018 Italian MotoGP. \u00a9\u00a0Gold [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1881762","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1881762","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1881762"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1881762\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1881762"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1881762"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1881762"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}