Lorenzo not thinking about title

The Yamaha rider is already 56 points clear at the head of the standings and should clinch the title at Sepang next weekend, while Pedrosa is expected to undergo surgery on Saturday to the triple fracture of his left collarbone.

But Lorenzo is determined to keep his mind on his own riding this weekend and not consider the title.

"I don't want to think for now how Dani's situation will affect me, but I am sorry for him, it's very bad luck to be injured at this stage of the season," Lorenzo said.

The Spaniard was pleased with his early form at Motegi, though. He finished the first practice session third, behind team-mate Valentino Rossi and Honda's Andrea Dovizioso, but is satisfied with the bike.

"We are much better here than in Aragon, which is a relief," he said. "We can improve the traction a bit in some parts of the track but in general this was a good day and we are not so far off Valentino. I hope the rain stays away so we can continue to improve tomorrow."