Jorge Lorenzo says he aiming for victory in what he expects to be a "special" race at Motegi this weekend.
The race has been dogged by controversy and doubt ever since the devastating effects of the earthquake and tsunami which hit Japan in March, with several riders only confirming their attendance on the Aragon GP weekend. Lorenzo says he hopes to finally lay the speculation to rest by repeating his 2009 feat and ascending the top step of the podium, giving Yamaha a home victory on its 50th year of grand prix racing.
"After all the confusion with Fukushima we are here, fit and ready to put on a good show for Yamaha in this special year for them," Lorenzo said. "Motegi is a track where I have won before and last year I had a nice fight for the podium. I would like to win again here, so that is my aim this weekend.
"Japan is a home race for Yamaha, and for us it is always a pleasure to ride here. We will begin on Friday and try to do everything really well."
Yamaha also confirmed it would once again ride in the special red and white YZR-M1 WGP 50th Anniversary Edition livery as part of its continued celebrations of 50 years of racing.