Image: Supplied.

Jorge Lorenzo believes he still gained valuable data at the recent Misano test for this weekend’s grand prix at the Italian venue, despite only completing 21 laps.

Lorenzo, who returned from back injuries at the British grand prix, only went out on track during the opening day of testing last month, however he’s confident he’s in stronger form for the 13th round.

“Each day I am feeling stronger and able to train harder than the previous day and the time between races has helped,” said Lorenzo. “I am looking forward to getting back on the bike and seeing how I feel physically on the RC213V.

“Despite not completing the full test, we were able to find some good information to be able to start the weekend well. In the past Misano has been a good circuit for me so I am hopeful that this weekend we can continue to close the gap.”

With three wins, four premier class pole positions and the outright circuit record, Lorenzo’s past form shows great potential for the upcoming San Marino round.

Image: Supplied.

Andrea Dovizioso says he’s in shape for this weekend’s 13th round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship at Misano after his frightening crash with Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) in the British grand prix.

The Ducati Team rider was deemed to have suffered a concussion, however returned to the bike in the week following at the Misano test, where he completed minimal laps.

The Italian ace is confident he’s back to full-strength for this weekend’s encounter, as he endeavours to make a return to the podium in front of a home crowd.

“After the incident in England, I’m lucky to be able to take part in the San Marino GP without any physical problems, because my Silverstone crash was a really big one and the consequences could have been much worse,” Dovizioso explained.

“During the two days of testing I was still not 100 percent fit, but now I’m fine, I feel in shape and am really anxious to race at this circuit, which for me is special, close to my home and where I’m sure that the support of the fans will be fantastic.

“The aim is to repeat the results of the last two seasons when we got onto the podium and we were competitive all through the weekend.”

Dovizioso is ranked second in the championship standings, where he sits 78 points behind leader Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda).

A total of 18 Australian riders have been shortlisted for the 2020 Asia Talent Cup selection event, while 10 contenders of the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) – a Road to MotoGP program – have made the cut.

The Oceania Junior Cup, in its inaugural season, was initially awarded five guaranteed places in the selection event, however that’s now been extended to 10 positions of the 120 capacity.

The 10 Oceania Junior Cup riders who will make the trip to Sepang include points leader Carter Thompson and current number two Angus Grenfell, as well as Tom Drane, Max Gibbons, Glenn Nelson, Reece Oughtred, Lucas Quinn, Cormac Buchanan, Hunter Diplock, and Patrick Bognar.

“It’s a credit to the OJC kids that they have performed strongly in their first year to impress Dorna to extend its initial offer,” said Motorcycling Australia’s operation manager Martin Port. “The whole aim for the OJC series is to provide a clear pathway of progression and to help develop the riders in preparation for these opportunities.

“These opportunities are a result of a great deal of hard work by the OJC team, and the support of our partners and the industry who are investing in the sport’s future.”

The remaining Australians shortlisted include Tristan Adamson, Senna Agius, Thomas Brown, Declan Carberry, Harry Khouri, Lara Marais, Jai Russo, Ryan Smith and Liam Waters.

At the selection event, each applicant must demonstrate their skills and riding ability around Sepang Karting Circuit outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The selection committee will then meet again to analyse all the data and determine the final riders chosen to participate in the 2020 Asia Talent Cup, as well as a list of reserve riders.