Motegi master: Lorenzo confident he will be victorious in Japan
In a move that could assist Marc Marquez's world title bid, his fierce rival Jorge Lorenzo says he is targeting victory in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.
If the bold prediction is accurate, it would mean the Yamaha star repeats his brilliant winning performance at Motegi last year.
Lorenzo long ago conceded defeat in this year's MotoGP championship chase and is now just focussing on wins to salvage an under-performing season.
If Lorenzo, currently fourth in the points, can win Sunday's 24-lap race it would leave Marquez scrapping with Valentino Rossi, Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso for a place on the podium.
If Marquez finishes ahead of Pedrosa and Rossi, no matter the position, he would become the first Honda rider to clinch the MotoGP title at their home track. Marquez has a huge 75-point lead in the championship and while he has declared his own race win intentions, he says that Lorenzo has the "strongest" race pace.
If Lorenzo wins that would leave Marquez to go for points knowing if he continues his dominance over Pedrosa he can claim the title in Japan.
"Yes, I have a chance to win again here," said Lorenzo after qualifying fifth on the second row. "Last year I was in pole position so it was easier on the first lap and I want to make a good start and try and overtake some riders in the first lap.
"Let's see that if in not so many laps I can be in first position which is better for my pace. I am very satisfied with the bike here and better than the last race in Aragon. This has probably has been the best weekend of the year to this point for me. I feel very good on the bike and I feel very competitive and can make a consistent pace."
Lorenzo has made impressive surge back to top form over the past five races since Indianapolis in August.
He has finished second four times and scored one win which came two weeks ago at the Aragon Grand Prix.
If not for a missed gearshift on his qualifying run Lorenzo feels he could have qualified on the front at Motegi.
"Without this mistake I could be on the first row but to be honest the lap time of Dovizioso with the extra soft tire and Rossi by following me were both very good times," Lorenzo said.
Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso qualified on pole with Rossi second fastest and Pedrosa third.
