MotoGP star Lorenzo stunned by TT experience

Riding a lap of the famous TT Mountain course was an 'amazing experience', according to MotoGP star Jorge Lorenzo.

The Spanish racer had his first taste of the 37.73-mile circuit ahead of the final race of the 2010 Isle of Man TT, riding a specially liveried Yamaha alongside fellow Spanish GP great Angel Nieto, the 13-times World Champion.

Reflecting on the experience, which his Fiat Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi also had last year, Lorenzo said:

"What an amazing experience. Now I understand why people enjoy the experience of riding at the TT."

"I only did one lap and I would definitely like some more practice. I was able to make a few wheelies and wave a lot to the crowd - there seem to be so many people here. It was a very, very good experience."

After his lap, Lorenzo watched the Dainese Senior TT from a private garden at the bottom of Bray Hill. He admitted he was stunned by the racing, but also saddened by the crash involving Guy Martin, a fellow Dainese ambassador, on lap three.

Martin was airlifted to hospital with relatively minor injuries given the speed of the crash at Ballagarey. The race was red flagged after the incident and reduced from six to four laps when it was restarted.

Lorenzo said:

"I have read all about the TT in magazine and have seen TV programmes - but nothing can prepare you for the real experience."

Nieto, who competed at the TT in 1968, was also thrilled by his experience at the 2010 TT.

He said:

"It was a great honour to come back to such a great and historic place as a guest of Dainese. I have strong memories from my time here a long time ago and it is great to come back and see the TT so healthy."

"We were all so concerned for Guy - it is a miracle that we here good news. It was great to show Jorge the TT and I'm glad he enjoyed so much. For us both it was a very special experience."