Lorenzo not expecting instant success

Recent graduates from the 250cc category have made an immediate impact at the top level, with 2004/5 champion Dani Pedrosa winning after only four MotoGP starts and Casey Stoner dominating this year's championship in only his second MotoGP season.

But Lorenzo, who clinched his second successive 250cc crown at Sepang on Sunday, said Yamaha want him to regard 2008 as a learning experience.

"Next year it's going to be a situation of learning," Lorenzo told BBC television.

"Yamaha said to me they only want me to learn in all the weekends next year. When that's happened, in 2009 I get some results."

Lorenzo will join Valentino Rossi in the Fiat Yamaha team, but there may be some separation between the two bikes' crews if Rossi's deal to switch to Bridgestone tyres is confirmed as expected later this week.

The other Yamahas would remain on Michelins, and both tyre manufacturers are keen to ensure that their information remains confidential.

Earlier in the season there had been suggestions that Rossi would insist on Lorenzo running with a satellite team. Many in the paddock predict that there will be tension between the rising young star, who shares Rossi's liking for flamboyant victory celebrations, and the five-time MotoGP champion.

Lorenzo admitted that this was a strong possibility, but said he hoped they could enjoy a fruitful relationship.

"It could be a problem," said the 20-year-old Spaniard. "For my part, I'm going to try to have a good feeling with him so it isn't a problem.

"Both of us want to win, no? He has seven titles, he has nothing to lose.

"He has won a lot of races, he's the best. So I have to learn from him as much as I can to put Yamaha on a higher level."