Repsol Honda factory MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo said that he is still searching for confidence aboard his RC213V, before he can go back to challenging at the front of the field.

The Spaniard is back on home soil and is the healthiest he has been since October, as he continues to learn how to ride the Honda. Impressing in the morning session, ending second fastest overall. Slower in the afternoon, Lorenzo ended the first day in ninth place, 0.536 seconds off Petrucci’s fastest time.

Despite the positive morning session, the Spaniard admitted that he had hoped to be stronger in the afternoon, when the conditions are closest to those which Sunday’s race will be run.

“I was hoping to be more competitive and I was this morning,” said the 31-year-old.

“In the afternoon I had more trouble. I need more experience with this bike when track circumstances change.

“The real Lorenzo is the one who finished ninth, because the race takes place at two o’clock in the afternoon. The morning position is good, but I would like to feel better on the bike.

“I’m still not quite comfortable. I don’t have the confidence I would like in the fast corners.”

FP1 saw Lorenzo and Marquez both riding very quickly together for the first time since becoming team-mates. Lorenzo said that he is aware he needs to change his riding style to better utilise the Honda.

“Tomorrow we will change the method to see if I can find those tenths that bring me closer to Marc,” he said.

“The bike is competitive, it’s a winning bike. The Honda is a more compact bike and I still need a little more time because in the braking, after the laps, my arms still get tired.”