Lorenzo has check-up in Barcelona

Following his training injury last Thursday which required an operation on his right hand, the Fiat Yamaha rider is recovering well. His participation at the final pre-season test in Qatar is uncertain however.

Jorge Lorenzo visited the Hospital General de Catalunya on Tuesday where he was examined by Doctor Augusto José Casanovas, the specialist who operated on him last Thursday after he sustained a metacarpal fracture and displaced thumb in his right hand after a motocross training accident.

After his check-up, it was confirmed that Lorenzo’s recovery from the injury was progressing well, but there remains a question over his attendance at the final pre-season test at the Losail circuit – scheduled for March 18-19. Fiat Yamaha confirmed last week that he would not be present at the second Sepang test next week due to his injury.

Press manager for Lorenzo, Hector Martin, told motogp.com: “At the moment there are serious doubts as to whether Jorge will be fully recovered for the Qatar test. We must wait and see how his injury and rehabilitation go after he has his stitches removed, which will be next Friday or Monday.”

The 2009 MotoGP World Championship runner-up will still fulfil his Yamaha promotional tour of Indonesia, scheduled for February 27 to March 2, but has cancelled his planned appearance at Camp Nou on Saturday where he was due to present the race leathers and helmet he wore in the 2009 Catalunya Grand Prix.

Anthony West is pleased with how his MZ Racing Moto2 chassis is progressing at the Montmeló test.

Anthony West was one of the many riders on track at the Circuit de Catalunya on Thursday as he continued his work on board his MZ Racing machine.

The Australian, who has experience in the former intermediate 250cc class and MotoGP and is on the reserve entry for the 2010 Moto2 category, is using the days at the Barcelona track in an experimental capacity, as he explores chassis options for his prototype.

“Today it’s a brand new chassis and it’s a little bit heavier than the last one. The next one will be lighter,” explained West. “I’m just taking it easy. We still have to put better suspension, brakes and an exhaust on, it’s like standard street bike stuff at the moment. The main goal was to find improvements with the chassis and something that turns well, and we’re one step forward from where we were last time. I think from this base we can make the final bike.”

West continued: “With the chassis being stiffer it rides the line a bit better. Lap times aren’t any quicker at the moment but everyone has the same tyres, so we’re just trying to get used to those. It’s good to know that everyone will have the same engine as well.”

“After this I’ll try and get some new suspension,” he added, “and that’ll be a big improvement on what we’ve got now and then we’ve got the tests in Valencia and Jerez that are coming up.”

The Spanish team will compete in the Moto2 World Championship in 2010 with Qatari rider Mashel Al Naimi and Colombian Yonny Hernández.

The BQR team, which will this year be called Blusens-STX in a union between the leader in consumer electricals Blusens and transport and logistics company STX Global Services, has detailed its 2010 project for the Moto2 category.

The Spanish team will take part in the new intermediate class with Qatari rider Mashel Al Naimi and Colombian Yonny Hernández, making Al Naimi the first rider from his country to participate in the World Championship. The team will be led by Ricard Jové, with Josep Oliva and David Tomás the technical directors for Al Naimi and Hernández respectively.

Al Naimi said: “I’m extremely excited at the prospect of working with such an experienced team in the World Championship. It’s the first time I’ll be competing in such a competitive Championship, and it’s a huge step in my career.”

“I’ll be the first rider from Qatar in the World Championship and that makes me very proud, I’ll give my maximum. Moto2 will be a Championship that is very difficult and my objectives are to learn as much as I can about the bike and the circuits, have a season without injuries and do the best I can. I have a competitive bike and am part of a great team for the start of the new Moto2 category.”

Hernández stated: “I am grateful for the confidence placed in me and I will do everything I can to learn from every GP. I hope to bring great joy to my country.”

Blusens-STX will also be present in the 125cc class with Spanish rider Tito Rabat.