Lorenzo plans low-risk strategy

The Spaniard is now 77 points clear in the standings with eight races to go, having taken seven wins from 10 races in 2010.

He said his preference was to carry on winning as much as possible, but that he was wary of throwing away his points lead or risking an injury by pushing too hard when the title was already in sight.

"Obviously, I want to win," said Lorenzo as he prepared for this weekend's Indianapolis Grand Prix.

"Nobody in this world wants to lose and to make bad results. But we have the possibility to lose a race and to get zero points.

"But anybody knows what can happen if you crash. Maybe nothing will happen and you are okay physically - or you can hurt yourself.

"So it's better not to take so many risks and to be on the bike."

This weekend Lorenzo's Yamaha team announced that it would bring Ben Spies into the factory line-up as Valentino Rossi departs for Ducati next year. Lorenzo is thought certain to stay on as Spies' team-mate, but no deal has yet been confirmed.

"For my side, I still haven't signed with Yamaha, but we all hope that it comes very soon," said Lorenzo.