Lorenzo focused on clinching title

The Yamaha rider is 69 points ahead of Dani Pedrosa, and the Honda driver looks set to miss the Sepang event following his injury in the previous race in Japan.

That means Lorenzo needs just six points - or 10th position - to win the title.

"All I am thinking about is Sunday and if I can win the title...it's been one of the dreams of my life and it would be great to get it here in Sepang," said Lorenzo.

"I like Malaysia a lot and I've done so many kilometres there testing on my M1, plus I have great memories from winning the 250 championship there in 2007.

"The track is long and modern but the weather can be a problem because it can be too hot and also rain can cause problems. Last year was a bit crazy with the rain and then I had to start from last on the grid!

"I would definitely prefer it to be dry this year. The team and I will focus in the same way we have all season, working hard from Friday and with the goal of podium or victory. We hope for the best result we can get."

Team-mate Valentino Rossi, fresh from returning to the podium at Suzuka, is also looking forward to the Malaysian GP, although the Italian is still concerned about how his injured shoulder will react.

"Japan was very exciting for us and it felt good to be fighting at the front through all the sessions and the race; it's been a long time since we were that strong," he said. "I don't know until I start riding how Sepang will feel on my shoulder but it is one of my two or three favourite tracks in the world and I am always excited to go there.

"We were strong there in winter testing, obviously a lot has changed since then but we made some good improvements to our bike in Japan so I hope we can be in the same kind of form this weekend."