Lorenzo battling severe illness in build up to MotoGP race in Austin
A bout of bronchitis has hit Yamaha star Jorge Lorenzo in the lead up to Sunday's Grand Prix of the Americas at Circuit of The Americas.
The illness is a second early season setback for Lorenzo who fancies himself as the one rider who can take the MotoGP title fight to countryman Marc Marquez.
"When we are both at our best I believe that Marc and I have small advantage over the other riders," Lorenzo said.
Lorenzo was in contention for victory in last week's Qatar GP before he was slowed when his vision was partially blocked by faulty headlining in his helmet. He finished fourth but made it clear that he was approaching Sunday's race at COTA with a "winning mentality."
However Lorenzo is suffering from bronchitis and was sick and slow with the 11th fastest time on the opening day of practice at COTA.
"It was a very difficult day for me, I felt pretty bad," Lorenzo said. "My physical condition is not good at all. I have got cold and I have taken some antibiotics because I feel sick. I couldn't work normally because I have a feel totally exhausted.
"The doctors have told me it is a bronchitis and I suffer a lot when I ride the bike. We have a lot of work to do on the bike but first of all I need to recover myself.
"I'm so sorry because today we couldn't improve the pace and I couldn't be competitive."
Marquez was a familiar face at the top of the timesheets and showed that he is on target for third consecutive win in the Austin race.
Marquez was ahead of Honda rider Cal Crutchlow and Ducati's Andrea Iannone. Lorenzo's Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi was fifth fastest with American star Nicky Hayden, who will make his 200th MotoGP start on Sunday, back in 22nd on a day of mixed wet and dry conditions.
