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(Image: GETTY)

The Spaniard is a three-time World Champion but struggled after quitting Yamaha for the Italian outfit in 2017.

Lorenzo finished 7th in his debut MotoGP season with Ducati.

And, after a dismal start to the 2018 campaign, team chiefs opted to cut him loose.

Lorenzo admits Ducati’s decision hit him hard - especially as he was finally getting used to the Desmosedici bike.

He said: “We didn’t get good results at the start of the Championship so Ducati lost a bit of patience and signed another rider.

“But in that same moment I started winning because I had a new fuel tank that supported me on breaking and I started getting less physical fatigue.

“I could keep the pace throughout the race and win - but it was too late to sign again with Ducati.

“In that moment when we couldn’t get results, I tried my best. But my best didn’t allow me to get good results.

(Image: GETTY)

“It was a very sad moment in 2018. In that week I started thinking about retiring.

“I was getting a little depression - or something like a depression.

“I started realising how much I love the sport, MotoGP and the competing - all of this.”

Following the announcement that Ducati would not be retaining his services, Honda made their move.

Lorenzo will now share a garage with reigning Champion Marc Marquez.

(Image: AFP)

He added: “In just two weeks I came from having no options - no strong team wanted me - to signing with probably the best team for results.

“I went from a very dark and sad moment to something magical and bright.

“It’s a demonstration of how quickly things in life can change.

“I’m very excited to work with Marquez. There will be a respect between us and we will form one of the greatest partnerships in MotoGP history.”

* BT Sport is the home of MotoGP for more information visit www.bt.com/sport