Lorenzo plays down low-key test pace

Honda was quickest on all three days, with factory riders Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa setting the pace on Tuesday and Wednesday before Gresini's Marco Simoncelli went quickest yesterday.

Lorenzo was only fourth-quickest on combined times for the week, but said he was very impressed with the 2011 Yamaha's performance even though it had not topped the timesheets.

"I'm very happy after the three days, it has been one of the best winter tests, normally we have more issues to feel good," he said.

"The bike feels better but we still need to improve some points. I think the next test will see us take the next step."

Team manager Wilco Zeelenberg hinted that Yamaha and Lorenzo had taken a conservative approach to the opening test.

"Jorge feels quite comfortable on the bike," Zeelenberg said. "He's got more patience this year and has taken a very considered approach to the test.

"I'm happy that we've completed a successful test with both riders on good form having blown off their cobwebs. We have enough data to decide which direction we have to go in now for our next visit here which was our first priority.

"We've seen it's very competitive over the last couple of days with more riders than last year able to compete for the podium so I think it's going to be a very exciting season."