Jorge Lorenzo, the motorcycle driver who chose Dubai to go on ‘racing’

Our interview with the five-time world champion

When did you realize you were passionate about motorcycles?

At the age of 3, when my father, a passionate amateur racer, built my first motorcycle and I took part in a race for the first time. At 14 years old, I was already a professional driver.

What have you learned by growing up in this world?

I learned what commitment, discipline and sacrifice mean. Every step of the way has been a challenge, but also an opportunity to improve and get where I am today.

The most important moment of your career?

There are two moments: my first win at the World Championship, in Brazil in 2003, when I was barely 16 years old, and my first MotoGP title, in Malaysia in 2010. Two goals which made me aware that I was able to race at the highest level. And, in fact, among the many ‘crazy’ things I’ve done in my life is also winning 5 World Championships, including 3 MotoGPs!

What would you have done, had you not become a racer?

I’m a creative person, I would have probably chosen a design or art-related job: painter, illustrator or something allowing me to express myself visually. Like I did with my historic number 99, with the halo and devil’s tail, which I personally designed because it best represents me: on one side, I love tranquility, but on the other I am adrenaline-charged.

What made you choose Dubai as the place to live when you stopped racing?

For racers, not racing anymore means finding something that keeps them active, mentally and physically. Dubai is exactly this to me: dynamism, opportunities and a life always on the go. The sun shines nearly every day, the services offered are of the highest standard, and the city is impeccably clean and efficient, something rare. It is the perfect place for networking and the place where you never get bored.

How much do you identify with Dubai?

I love Dubai’s way of thinking. They had an ambitious goal- creating one of the world’s best cities in many ways- and they achieved it. This is something I can relate to.

The must-try experience in Dubai?

Exploring the desert on an off-road motorcycle. It was an experience that brought me back in time.