Lorenzo close to topping Rossi's podium rate

Lorenzo could overtake Rossi in the record books at Assen on Saturday

SHOULD Jorge Lorenzo finish on the podium at Assen he will overtake Valentino Rossi in the MotoGP record books for podium finishing rate.

The factory Yamaha rider has taken 50 podium places in his 73 races in the premier class, giving him a percentage of 68.5. Whereas Rossi stands at 68.6% with 140 podium appearances in 204 races. If he passes the Italian it will place him in third in the table behind GP greats Wayne Rainey and Mick Doohan.

Lorenzo is currently on a hat-trick of victories after winning in the last round at Silverstone, speaking ahead of the Dutch TT he said: "Our target remains to be on the podium each race and if possible take a win. Assen is good for our bike and it suits my riding style so let’s see what happens."

Leading the table is three-time 500GP champion Rainey. The American had 64 podiums in 83 starts for 77.1%. Behind him in second is five-time 500GP champion Doohan with 69.3%, from 95 podiums in 137 races.