2010 MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo has confirmed he will use the Number 1 plate on his 2011 race bike.

Lorenzo to wear the Number 1

2010 MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo has confirmed he will use the Number 1 plate on his 2011 race bike. Valentino Rossi for example has continued to use his 46 number regardless of whether he was the current champion or not. Many had expected Lorenzo to stick with his 99 number, which features in his promotional material and merchandising.

Lorenzo today confirmed his intention to run the coveted No 1 on his Yamaha Factory Racing M1 race bike, revealing a design incorporating his JL initials. This will be the first time a Yamaha MotoGP rider has worn the No 1 since Wayne Rainey defended his World Championship title in 1993 for the third consecutive time.

"Today I can reveal my No 1," said Jorge Lorenzo. "I am very proud because you have to work very hard to have the option to wear it. I have been lucky with my design because the No 1 works really well with my JL initials, maybe with different letters it would have been difficult to make it look right, I hope my fans will like it! I won’t forget my No 99 this season, it will be there somewhere on my leathers because No 99 is in my heart. It was a difficult choice to change my number but I have earned the right for this unique opportunity to wear it."