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MotoGP insiders think Jorge Lorenzo is finished as Johann Zarco deal gets sealed

EXCLUSIVE: MotoGP ace Jorge Lorenzo looks set to part company with Honda after a dreadful season

[MotoGP ace Jorge Lorenzo is under huge pressure]

MotoGP ace Jorge Lorenzo is under huge pressure

Jorge Lorenzo looks destined to leave Honda sooner rather than later, its claimed. The MotoGP heavyweight is having a dire season which has been ravaged by poor form and injuries. Hes yet to finish a race in the top 10 and suffered a career-threatening vertebrae break at Assen. As the campaign enters its final few weeks, Lorenzo could only manage 19th on the grid ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix tomorrow. Paddock insider and MotoGP pundit Michael Laverty says rumours are rife behind the scenes. Its quite a common theory in the paddock that both parties want to separate, but neither will make the first move, he exclusively told Starsport.

Lorenzo wants Honda to release him. But it boils down to money. He would need be paid out of his contract. Honda want him to quit so they dont have to pay out. Thats the rumour in the paddock and what most people are saying. Its a stalemate between both parties. If Lorenzo doesnt find his mojo in the next few rounds then I think we could see a compromise. Its happened in the past, but for a five-time world champion like Lorenzo you wouldnt have been expecting for this conversation to be on the cards. Having parted company with KTM in August, Johann Zarco was snapped up by LCR Honda for the final three races of the season.

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Johann Zarco and KTM parted company in August

The Frenchman will deputise for Takaaki Nakagami who is undergoing shoulder surgery. Laverty admits the 29-year-olds move into the Honda camp with pile pressure on Lorenzo. Its a tough situation for Lorenzo, added Laverty. Hes not fully fit and hes not comfortable with the bike. The 2018 Honda that Zarco will ride is bit easier to handle and its more user friendly, according to Cal Crutchlow. Its a better chassis as well. Cal put in on the podium in Motegi last year and Zarco will jump on that bike in Australia.

[Michael-Laverty-1657038]

Michael Laverty says Jorge Lorenzo faces huge issues at Honda(Image: GETTY )

It will be interesting to see how he adapts.

"I dont think its as user friendly as a Yamaha, but its probably in between the M1 and a KTM.

It puts him in the shop window at Honda if they do part ways with Lorenzo.

For Lorenzo, it ups the pressure on him massively and I do feel for him. Hes a class rider and shouldnt be in this position.

If Zarco betters Lorenzo at Phillip Island, you could say the writing is on the wall in that relationship.

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