Lorenzo makes 125cc Derbi debut.

Last week Jorge Lorenzo, the 14 year old rider from Mallorca, made his Derbi debut at the Italian circuit of Misano. Lorenzo took the opportunity to get an initial feel for the 125cc machine he will be riding in the coming season. He also set the dimensions of the bike to fit his body ahead of the first IRTA test of the preseason at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia on the 18th and 19th February.

Lorenzo has won Aprilia Cup titles in the 50 and 125cc categories in the past and in 2002 enters his first season of World Championship competition. The youngster, has also stepped onto the podium in the Spanish Championship (CEV) on two occasions last season.

'To be contesting the World Championship with Derbi is a great satisfaction but also a great responsibility,' said Lorenzo to the official MotoGP website. 'This year I hope to learn as much as possible, considering that I will be sharing my box with Youichi Ui, and continue on a line of progression which takes me to a higher level with each day that passes.'

Derbi Racing General Manager Giampiero Sacchi commented about his team's newest member: 'The challenge for this team is to win the World Championship and as a Spanish factory it is evident that we would like a Spanish rider to achieve that in the future,' said Sacchi. 'Lorenzo has a great career ahead of him and the whole team will work to the maximum to ensure that his evolution does not stop for one minute.'