Movistar Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo says he is in the same physical shape as he was when he entered MotoGP in 2008 after undergoing a serious fitness programme this winter.

At the Sepang test last year, the Spaniard admitted he hadn’t been able to train as hard as he would have liked after undergoing surgeries on various old injuries but he is not back on it and weighs the same as he did seven years ago.

In 2011 and 2012, I train really hard also, maybe I was one kilo up than now. Now I am similar to 2008 when I arrive to MotoGP from 250, I was very light, now I am the same. Different trainers and way of train but I believe I at least same if not better,” said Lorenzo, speaking at Sepang.

“It’s great to start the year competitively, no physical problems like last year so I am very happy. Yamaha work in so much more things, the bike as good pace knowing this track is not the best for us. To be in the first three positions is very positive.

“Tomorrow we have something to test with the other bike but they are small things. We don’t have the big thing, which will happen at the second test. I am happy about the tyres, which are the same as last year. They are good, especially in the middle of the tyres, they are safe and consistent.

“The bike is a little more easy to ride with the throttle, a big difference from this time last year. Hopefully, we can keep our corner speed and improve the braking. Is impossible to be the best under brakes, the best corner speed and the best on acceleration. If you were, you would be in 1’56s, no?”