Pedrosa calls for Honda consistency

Although Pedrosa won at Mugello and was second at Jerez and Assen, he has lacked race pace in other rounds. That has left him 47 points behind Lorenzo in the standings after six of this year's 18 rounds.

He is sure that gap can be closed if Honda can make better use of the practice sessions and delivers its full potential in every race.

"Lorenzo is doing great, he is consistent in every practice and every race," said Pedrosa. "Sure it's hard to beat him, but we have to keep going. Of course we have a lot of work to do on Friday and Saturday, but if we can tune the bike well, maybe for Sunday will be ready.

"We have to focus on improving our own level, because we have had three good races and three were bad, so with this kind of form we cannot start thinking of recovery. So first we must start being fast on every weekend and then see where it is."

Lorenzo has taken four wins already this year and is the overwhelming title favourite in the absence of his Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi. He said his focus would now be on consistency as he had managed to build up a points lead.

"The important thing is that we can be always at the top in every practice and every race," said Lorenzo. "If we can't win the race then we finish second or third.

"But we are very consistent and this is the key of this year. This year I must stay concentrated during these races, to win the championship is not easy."