MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo hits seagull, sets lap record at Phillip Island
MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo overcame a collision with a seagull to set a lap record in qualifying for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix, but will face a new challenge in the race itself.
Due to concerns over
safety on the new surface at Victoria's Phillip Island circuit,
officials have decided to cut the event to 26 laps and require a
mandatory change of bikes for the first time in the history of
motorcycling's elite division.
The MotoGP website
reported after Saturday's qualifying, which Lorenzo topped ahead of
rookie championship leader Marc Marquez, that tire supplier Bridgestone
could not guarantee the safety of its rear slicks beyond 14 laps.
"Every rider will be
required to enter the pits and change to their second machine with fresh
tires at least once during the race," the statement said.
"No rider is permitted to make more than 14 laps on any one slick rear tire."
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