Lorenzo: Safety is the most important thing

Jorge Lorenzo has praised the decision to cancel all Friday free practice sessions for the Japanese Grand Prix after thick fog descended across the Twin Ring Motegi venue.

Though track conditions were acceptable, albeit wet, the concern over poor visibility for the air ambulance should it need to be used, coupled to the time it would take to reach the nearest hospital by road, would force Dorna, IRTA and Race Direction to cancel all track action.

However, while there are worries that fog will return on Saturday in the remote region to wreak further havoc to the Japanese GP schedule, reigning champion Jorge Lorenzo says the decision not to go out on track was the right one.

"It was a boring day for everyone but the things were like that," he said. "I think it is much better to stay calm and accept the circumstances. Safety is the most important thing in the sport and without the medical helicopter no one can be safe.

"We will see tomorrow because the forecast is not so positive and if once again the sessions are cancelled we have to wait on a decision from Dorna, IRTA and Race Direction. I hope the race will go ahead because two races is better than just one for us. I spent all the day stretching, relaxing, making some exercises and speaking with the team. I hope tomorrow the meteorological conditions improve and we can ride."

Lorenzo comes into the penultimate round of the season 18 points behind Marc Marquez in the standings, meaning he stands to cede his MotoGP crown if he is out-scored by eight points this weekend. Should that not occur, the title fight will go down-to-the-wire at Valencia.