Qatar MotoGP, Doha
Date: 11-12 April
Saturday 11 April: Qualifying: BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website - 1950-2300 BST Sunday 12 April: Preview -BBC2 1300-1330 BST; 125cc and 250cc races - BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website 1750-2005 BST; MotoGP race - BBC Three and BBC Sport website, 2045-2200 BST

By Julian Shea

Lorenzo will be hoping to avoid the crashes of his debut season

Jorge Lorenzo has ruled himself out of contention for this year's MotoGP world title and says he is happy to bide his time before challenging for the crown.

The 21-year-old Yamaha rider, team-mate to world champion Valentino Rossi, made a big impact in his debut MotoGP season in 2008 before several crashes.

"I concentrate on doing my job and going faster each lap. If I concentrate on other riders I won't win," he said.

"Valentino's the present - I'll work hard to be the future."

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The 21-year-old double 250cc world champion came to MotoGP last year with an impressive reputation, and more than backed it up as he took pole position in his first three races, winning in Portugal.

But a string of dramatic crashes, including one in China where he broke both ankles, took its toll and he eventually had to settle for fourth place in the championship.

Although he said he was hoping to build on last year's success when the 2009 Championship starts in Qatar on 11 and 12 April, he said people needed to be realistic in their expectations.

"I have one year knowing the bike and the tyres - this will help - but to win the championship is a lot," he said.

"Last year was a year of trying things and I had the opportunity to take risks, maybe this year I won't have that option.

"It's not the same as going into MotoGP with no experience - I am still young but I have experience, so I will not expect six or seven crashes like last year."

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