Rookie Lorenzo in confident mood ahead of home GP

MotoGP rookie Jorge Lorenzo is confident he can maintain his momentum on home soil in the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend following his sparkling debut in Qatar.

The 20-year-old, who joined Valentino Rossi's Yamaha team after stepping up from the 250cc class, took pole position and then finished second behind world champion Casey Stoner in the night-time race at Losail.

"Qatar was unbelievable and something I will remember forever," the double 250cc world champion said in a team statement.

"I've felt great since and now I'm really excited about the next one. I never expected to be going into only my second MotoGP race in such a great position in the classification.

"However, I know it will be hard work for me again in Jerez and it's still just my second race on the M1. I will have to work and focus very hard in practice."

Jerez holds fine memories for Lorenzo. He has won the last two 250cc races at the southern Spanish circuit and became the youngest rider to take part in a grand prix when he qualified for the 125cc race on his 15th birthday in 2002.

"Jerez for me last year was a fantastic race," he said. "I took pole position and the victory and I also won in 2006 so I have some great memories of racing here."

Jerez is also a favourite circuit of Lorenzo's team-mate Rossi. The five times MotoGP and 500cc world champion has claimed five premier class wins at the track including his victory ahead of Spain's Dani Pedrosa last year.

The 29-year-old, whose last success came in Portugal in September, is under pressure to triumph again to avoid his longest winless streak since his victory at Donington in 2000.