Lorenzo frustrated with first day

Given his 2010 Silverstone form, Lorenzo had been optimistic that the British round of the world championship would give him an opportunity to get back on terms with the Hondas - which have dominated on pure pace this year.

But he was a second off the pace set by Honda's Casey Stoner in the only dry session today, and then rued the rain later on.

"I'm not so satisfied with the day," Lorenzo said. "In the morning I tried to ride the same pace as last year but I was one second slower.

"In the afternoon I wanted to ride in dry conditions but it started to rain so we had to ride on that. I made so many laps with the rain tyre that it was destroyed whereas some of the other riders switched to a fresh tyre so were faster than us."

The Yamaha rider said there was plenty to do, but was determined to be at the front by qualifying.

"We must focus on improving both myself and the bike," said Lorenzo, "I will try to be on the front row tomorrow."