MotoGP champ named as Alfa Romeo ambassador

As part of the deal, the 26-year-old Spaniard will sport Alfa Romeo logos on his racing suit and helmet during this year's championship season, which starts this weekend in Qatar.

The Spaniard will also drive the official World Superbike Championship Alfa Romeo 4C safety car at select rounds of that series during the year.

Lorenzo recently got acquainted with Alfa Romeo's product, driving both a Giulietta and 4C at the company's Balocco test track in Italy.

"After trying out Alfa Romeo's cars on this track, above all the 4C, I can say that they are beautiful but also high performance," he said. "They have a powerful engine, practically at motorsport level, and they are great fun on corners, acceleration and when closing the throttle before downshifting.

"The Giulietta is a car for the city, not the track, but you can really have fun with it nonetheless, above all on corners, thanks to the Alfa Romeo DNA, which allows you to give the car a sports setting by removing the traction control.

"On the road I nearly always drive a car and not a bike. Bikes are a bit inconvenient, above all when it's cold and rainy. Cars are definitely more convenient. I spend practically the whole day on two wheels on the track: when I get home, I really want to use the car.

"The Giulietta is really comfortable on the inside, and the exterior reflects Alfa Romeo's DNA: a style which is both elegant and modern at the same time. I like that.

"It's been a great day for getting to know the world of Alfa," Lorenzo added.