Repsol Honda factory MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo has said that reverting back to the original seat has helped him as he continues to adapt to the RC213V in the opening day at Le Mans.

The Spaniard, who ended the combined free practice sessions fourth fastest, less than three tenths off of Maverick Vinales’ fastest time of the day, revealed the a change of seat helped him in France.

Lorenzo had been using a custom made wider seat that he had used during both his time with Yamaha and Ducati. However, after a less than spectacular start with Honda, a seat change yielded pleasantly unexpected results.

“This type of seat from my times in Yamaha, I keep it at Ducati, I bring it to Honda,” said the 32-year-old.

“But it looks like I discovered that with this bike for the moment it’s not working, and the better solution is a standard Honda seat.”

Despite the impressive opening day and with rain forecast overnight, meaning a likely passage straight into Q2, Lorenzo wasn’t getting carried away with his chances come Sunday.

“We need to put this in a result in the race. If we cannot do that, we cannot be really confident and demonstrate what we are able to do. This is just a practice but about the feelings, we make one step. It's like a small victory, but it's going to be a long process.

"For me, a small or a  medium or big step, feels like a victory, and today I win something - maybe I don't win a race or I don't make a podium, but I win something.”