The home of cricket played host to a selection of MotoGP riders on Wednesday as Jorge Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha), Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro), Scott Redding (Marc VDS Racing), Bradley Smith (Bancaja Aspar), Danny Webb (Andalucia Cajasol) and Khairuddin Zulfahmi (AirAsia – Sepang International Circuit Team) all attended Lord’s cricket ground in London.

The world famous venue was the site of the official pre-event ahead of this weekend’s AirAsia British Grand Prix, and prior to the serious business of racing at the new Silverstone circuit the six riders were treated to a lesson in the history and finer points of the traditional English sport.

Redding, Smith, Webb and Zulfahmi took it in turns to bowl at Lorenzo and Hayden, both of whom were decked out in cricket whites. It was the Ducati Marlboro rider who appeared to get the hang of things quicker, hitting a few boundaries before taking tea and scones alongside Lorenzo.

Lorenzo, who finished second in the last round at Mugello and is 25 points clear at the top of the Championship, explained that he found two wheels more comfortable than holding a cricket bat. Looking ahead to the weekend, the Spaniard also said: “I’m confident of being able to challenge for the win now, in Italy there was an issue with pace and the bike not stopping perfectly.”

Hayden is also pleased with where he is with his Desmosedici GP10, whilst Smith commented that he feels he can fight for the win in the 125cc class which is a real possibility on his home circuit. Fellow Brits Moto2 star Redding and eighth-litre rider Webb are both hoping for podium finishes in their home race.