Jorge Lorenzo keen to continue Laguna Seca MotoGP form

The Spaniard had a 25-point advantage wiped out when Alvaro Bautista took him out at the start of the Dutch TT, but a podium at the Sachsenring - when Honda's Casey Stoner fell - and a dominant victory at Mugello have almost restored his previous lead.

Now entering Laguna Seca, where he has claimed pole position and at least a podium finish for the past three consecutive seasons, Lorenzo says his aim is to continue edging away from the chasing pack.

"With the exception of the disaster at Assen we are having a very strong season so far, always finishing in either first or second place," the Spaniard said.

"I have always had great races here in Laguna in MotoGP and always finish on the podium. Hopefully we can continue to do this here to extend the lead a little more.

"I love the circuit, the corkscrew corner is amazing and the American fans always make an incredible atmosphere for us."

Team manager Wilco Zeelenberg said he was anxious to avoid a repeat of Lorenzo's 2011 heavy practice high-side.

"We know Jorge really likes the Laguna circuit and is strong here so I'm confident we can do well," he said. "Last year he had a big crash the morning of qualifying which meant he had a lot less energy than usual on race day. He's fit and ready so we're hoping that won't happen this time."

Team-mate Ben Spies meanwhile said he hoped home soil would give him the opportunity to finally turn his season around. Despite only once qualifying lower than sixth, Spies has missed out on a top-five finish in six of the nine races so far in 2012.

"It's always special racing in front of your home crowd. It's been a pretty rough season so far but we'll see if we can turn it round here, put on a good show for all my fans and change it up for the second half of the year," he said.