Lorenzo impressed with Michelin wets

The Spaniard was third fastest in both Friday practice sessions in his home country, while fellow Michelin user Nicky Hayden led the way all day for Honda.

"It's a pity to be coming to Spain in the rain but anyway we made a good start today and I am quite happy," said Lorenzo.

"This morning was very wet and it was quite difficult to ride, but this afternoon the conditions were a bit better and I was able to be quite a lot faster and also do some good work on the set-up of my bike.

"My Michelin tyres are working well in the rain and I think we can make some more progress tomorrow if it's like this again, although of course I hope for sunshine."

Lorenzo's Yamaha team manager Daniele Romagnoli agreed that while they were in good shape for a wet race, they were also eager to get some dry running.

"This has been a positive and useful day for us," he said. "We found a good base to work from in the wet and the bike and our Michelin tyres are working well so far.

"We need to improve some areas for tomorrow, especially in the front end, and so we will work on refining this setting if this weather continues. Of course we hope for a dry session before the race so we can be prepared for all conditions."

Lorenzo is running a special one-off livery on his Yamaha for his home event.

"It has the flags of all the countries where I have won and was designed by a member of the public in an Italian competition," he explained. "It's all of 'Lorenzo's Lands'!"