Directly upon his return from Shanghai to Barcelona, Jorge Lorenzo was taken to the Spanish city´s Institut Universitari Dexeus by ambulance for further inspection of the injuries suffered in Grand Prix of China last Friday in a huge highside crash.

The man in charge of the Fiat Yamaha rider´s medical issues, Dr. Xavier Mir, submitted Lorenzo to an examination of both his left and right ankles, and found a further fracture of the right astragalus and a broken ligament in the left ankle.

Lorenzo –who was last operated on by Dr. Mir for a compartmental syndrome in his arm after victory in Portugal- will not be required to go under the knife for his latest injury. However, he will be confined to a wheelchair in order to immobilise both ankles, with particular attention needed for the right hand side.After confirming that Lorenzo’s right ankle injury was more serious than previously though, Dr. Mir explained the next step in supervising the recovery process.During the next days Dr. Mir will carry out more tests, and make a more detailed evaluation of the injuries suffered on both sides. Whilst the MotoGP rookie was able to ride to fourth position in China race, the nature of his injuries means that participation in the Grand Prix of France on May 18 at Le Mans and in the Grand Prix of Italy on June 1 at Mugello are still in doubt.

But what is practically sure is that Jorge Lorenzo will be totally recovered to face the Grand Prix of Catalunya at Montmeló Circuit on June 8.

From Australia (16th March) to Brazil (2nd November) through Montmeló (27th April) and Valencia (18th August), one of Formula 1 racing’s greatest assets is its ability to renew itself. It is what gives this fantastic sport its appeal.
Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari are the world champions after a controversial 2007 season when the action on the track between the Scuderia and McLaren reached fever pitch. But what are their chances of retaining the tittles? Having come so close in his rookie season, can Lewis Hamilton win redemption for McLaren by going one better in 2008? Over the winter, Ferrari appeared to make a step forward even on their late 2007 form. McLaren, however, hit back with very quick times in Barcelona, where the track mercilessly highlights any shortcoming with its wide range of corners. Then there is the fight to be third. Last season was pretty much the preserve of BMW Sauber, but this year it could be different. Williams have looked very strong in testing and Renault, despite gloomy predictions from Fernando Alonso, will be in there sooner or later. The renewal is not confined to what happens on the track. In two cases, it is the tracks themselves that are new, with exciting new street venues in Valencia, for the European Grand Prix, and the first-ever night race at Singapore in September – a further indication that the sport never misses a trick in evolving itself for the fans’ benefit.
This is always the time of year when anything is possible, a great point at which to let one’s expectations for the campaign ahead to be coloured by the excitement of the previous season. As things stand, at least three drivers may be vying for the world championship in November. So do not go away. This is where the fun really starts.

A resolute Fernando Alonso has vowed to lead Renault back to their winning ways during the coming season. At the official launch of the R28 in Paris few days ago Alonso said he is hopeful that, with enough hard work, the team’s fortunes can improve during 2008.
The Spaniard took two consecutive world titles with the French squad in 2005 and 2006 and scored 15 of his 19 career wins before leaving for a troublesome yearlong sabbatical with McLaren. He returned to Renault last December and has since tested the team and spent several days running in the R28.
The entire Renault team is absolutely determined to get back to the top and they are all pushing very hard because that is a big motivation for everybody. First and foremost is that Fernando is a tremendous competitive racer and he obviously want to win and will do the maximum to make that it happen because he also knows what is expected from him.
Some people have suggested that Alonso is still thinking in the problems occurred in 2007, but that is not the way he looks at it. He is preparing for this season the same way he always has done: by concentrating on his job.
Formula 1 2008 season will start soon with Australian Grand Prix (March 16) and after passing through Malaysia (March 23) and Bahrain (April 6) will arrive to Montmelo (Barcelona) with Spain Grand Prix (27 April) and by then the supporters would have had opportunity to see which will be the future of Fernando Alonso this year.